Upcoming Webinar: Prof. Gerard Casey on Ireland’s Hate Crime Bill and the possible Return of the Controversial Hate Speech Law

18.10.2024

We are pleased to announce an upcoming webinar with Prof. Gerard Casey, who will explore the recent passage of Ireland’s Hate Crime Bill and the looming threat of a resurrected Hate Speech Bill post election. The discussion will highlight the significant differences between these two pieces of legislation and delve into what citizens should fear if the radical hate speech law is brought back after the upcoming general election.

Despite the Government shelving the controversial hate speech provisions due to widespread backlash, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has signaled her strong intent to revive the pro-censorship elements after the election. While Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael leaders have distanced themselves from these measures, McEntee’s persistence raises concerns about the potential erosion of free speech and the dangerous precedent this law could set. It also indicates that these utterances show that the government are indeed interested in reviving the hate speech bill but only after the election when they feel it wont threaten their votes this November.

Prof. Casey and Michael will talk about why the government’s attempt to act as “referee” on what constitutes “acceptable” speech is a slippery slope towards censorship and government overreach. This webinar will also discuss how such laws could empower politicians to police opinions, creating an environment ripe for abuse and corruption.

Join us at 7:30pm on Tuesday, October 22nd, for this critical conversation. You can register for the event here.

Spread the word to your friends and family—don’t miss this important discussion about the future of free speech in Ireland!