McEntee Doubles Down on Dangerous Hate Speech Legislation: A Call for Less Justice, More Censorship
18.10.2024
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has once again pushed forward her agenda for the most controversial and pro-censorship elements of the original hate speech laws, even as the rest of her own government appears to back away from the idea. Following the passage of the less contentious Hate Crime Bill, McEntee has made it clear that she intends to reintroduce the most Orwellian aspects of the hate speech legislation after the next general election. Despite widespread public backlash and growing opposition from both Fine Gael (FG) and Fianna Fáil (FF) ranks, McEntee is determined to see the pro-censorship laws through.
This move has prompted serious concerns from free speech advocates who argue that it is unhealthy and dangerous for any government—especially politicians with vested interests—to act as referees, or worse, judge, jury, and executioner, over what constitutes “acceptable” speech. Such laws would give unprecedented power to politicians to police opinions, a clear recipe for abuse and corruption.
The FG and FF leadership, feeling the electoral heat, have distanced themselves from the Hate speech bill, with many in the government ranks having “a change of heart” on the issue. Public backlash, particularly from those worried about the potential threat to freedom of expression, has led many within the government to reconsider their stance, at least this side of the election. Yet, McEntee is unwavering. Speaking in the Seanad, she expressed regret that the hate speech elements were removed from the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022, stating: “I genuinely regret that this is where we are at now.”
McEntee has justified her continued push by citing societal changes and an increase in hate-filled discourse across various platforms. However, critics see this as little more than a pretext for the state to clamp down on dissent and enforce a particular ideological agenda. It’s an alarming scenario where laws meant to combat hate could instead be used to stifle legitimate speech, leaving many wondering how much justice is really being sought in McEntee's vision for the future. This does offer evidence that the Government parties do indeed intend to bring this pro censorship legislation in after the election so that they wont make it an election issue.
Ultimately, McEntee’s push for hate speech legislation has become a divisive issue, not only within her own party but across the country. It’s time for the FG leadership, including Taoiseach Simon Harris, to take a stand. Should they support a Justice minister pushing for less justice and more censorship, or should they sack McEntee and send a clear message that Ireland values freedom of speech and the right to dissent?