Ireland abandons plans for hate speech law, justice minister confirms

After riots erupted in Dublin last November, the push for tighter laws gained further urgency.

September 22, 2024 02:39 AM IST

2 min read

The government originally introduced the proposed legislation two years ago, aiming to modernise anti-hate laws deemed outdated for the social media era. ( Photo/X/ @HMcEntee)

Ireland will not introduce hate speech legislation, Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced on Saturday, following criticism from government officials, opponents, and billionaire Elon Musk.

The government originally introduced the proposed legislation two years ago, aiming to modernise anti-hate laws deemed outdated for the social media era.

After riots erupted in Dublin last November, the push for tighter laws gained further urgency. However, increased opposition from both within the government and external critics has led to the scrapping of the incitement to hatred section of the bill.

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“I believe the existing incitement to hatred legislation needs to be strengthened. However, we need a consensus to do that, and we don’t currently have that,” McEntee told RTE, the national broadcaster.

Instead, the government will focus solely on the parts of the legislation addressing hate crimes. The Irish Times first reported the decision.

Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X (formerly Twitter), had previously stated that his company would fund any legal challenges in Ireland against the proposed hate speech laws.

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