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Justice Minister Helen McEntee is fulfilling more “international obligations” with her coveted and dangerous Hate Bill which FG / FF seem determined to impose on the Irish people. What about the national obligations of government and the interests of the people? Much like the referenda on Family & Care earlier in 2024, they simply refuse to listen to the people. Those invited to consult on this legislation were cherrypicked by the establishment. We, the people, don’t matter.
Proposals to introduce hate speech legislation in Ireland represent a dangerous assault on free speech and democratic debate. At a time when open dialogue is more essential than ever, these measures threaten to stifle public discourse, chilling the voices of those who hold dissenting or unpopular views. Hate speech laws, while often introduced under the guise of protecting marginalised communities, frequently evolve into tools for silencing legitimate criticism and stifling free expression. The term “hatred” has not even been defined in the legislation, which leaves it completely open to interpretation throughout the justice system.
If you haven’t already watched this contribution from Senator Michael McDowell (barrister, former Attorney General and former Minister for Justice) it’s important to take it on board.
Anyone with a vague idea of Irish history will know the importance of free speech and freedom of assembly. If these inalienable rights are written out of law by changes to legislation, we are relinquishing one of the most basic powers of ordinary citizens.
People who fought for our freedom like James Connolly, Charles Stewart Parnell and ‘The Liberator’ Daniel O’Connell spoke of the importance of free speech. We simply cannot allow this law to be enforced.
"Every man has a right to state his opinions freely; and no law should prevent the full and free expression of public opinion."
Minister McEntee recently rowed back on inclusion of the Hate Speech element of the bill – probably because there’s an election on the horizon – but there is nothing to stop her shoe-horning it back in if the FF / FG part returns to power. McEntee appeared to confirm this when questioned by Ben Scallan of gript.ie earlier in October.
It seems Gript are one of the only media outlets asking hard questions of politicians. It’s well worth taking a minute to listen to Michael McNamara MEP‘s contribution recently in Europe as regards RTE’s role as state sponsored media.
Excessive government control of the media poses as much a risk to media pluralism and independent journalism as fake news, populism and disinformation.
— Michael McNamara MEP (@MlMcNamaraTD) October 14, 2024
The Global Ireland Media Challenge Fund sets a troubling precedent in Ireland.#Ireland #Media #EU pic.twitter.com/9RfVZnrfiB
This is a dangerous moment in Irish history, take heed before it’s too late.
