Hate Crime Coalition welcomes progress of Hate Crime Bill as first key step to tackling hate crime

21 February 2023

Organisations call for adoption, complementary measures and proper implementation

Ahead of its examination today in the Oireachtas, the Coalition Against Hate Crime has welcomed the progress of the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence of Hatred and Hate Offences Bill) 2022. 

In recent weeks the Coalition, a group of 22 civil society organisations, has submitted suggested amendments to members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice and briefed members of the Oireachtas ahead of the Committee’s examination of the Bill to ensure the legislation is in line with human rights standards, reflects the experiences and needs of impacted communities, and provides clear definitions and thresholds.   

The absence of hate crime legislation is currently a significant gap in Irish law. However, legislation is only one measure needed to tackle the harm caused by hate crime and incitement to violence or hatred. Therefore, the Coalition has also called for full and thorough implementation of the legislation and a wide range of complementary measures to support it. 

Speaking today, ICCL Policy Officer and Chair of the Coalition, Luna Lara Liboni, said:

“Hate crimes are message crimes; one act can make an entire community feel excluded and unsafe. These crimes affect individuals, impact whole communities and weaken the fabric of society as a whole.

"After years of campaigning for legislative change, we strongly welcome this Bill. It will play a key role in introducing a consistent approach to hate crime in the criminal justice system and sending a message to impacted communities and society. We hope the Bill will be examined and adopted without any further delays. However, our work to eradicate hate will not end here.  

"If we are serious about tackling hate crime and hate speech in our society, then the Government will have to introduce other measures in support of this legislation to challenge the beliefs and attitudes underlying hate. We need properly financed delivery of targeted education and awareness raising; improved monitoring, reporting, and data gathering; and improved victim support. 

“If the legislation is to be effective, it is essential that it is properly implemented and reviewed.  We are calling for a comprehensive review of the legislation within five years involving all relevant stakeholders, including impacted communities, civil society and criminal justice actors.”