Ireland Drops Incitement to Violence or Hatred Bill in Free Speech Victory

Sep 21, 2024, 08:59 AM

The Irish government has decided to drop plans to introduce new hate speech laws, a move that has been widely celebrated as a significant victory for free speech. The decision follows considerable pushback from nationalists and free speech advocates, including FreeSpeechIre. The hate speech elements were part of the Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences Bill 2022, which was criticized for being one of the most draconian forms of hate speech legislation proposed. According to the Irish Times, this decision marks a significant win for those campaigning against the bill.