Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill

Prior to the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill, Ireland did not have any specific legislation to deal with hate crimes. The Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 deals with hate-based offenses, but prosecutions have been few and far between. As a result, the Department of Justice announced the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill in April 2021. 

The bill defines a hate crime as assaults, threats, incitement of hatred, damaging property, or causing harm motivated by prejudice. It lists which identities are protected and outlines which relevant evidence will be taken into consideration when determining whether an offense was aggravated by prejudice. Finally, it states that the punishment for hate speech or crimes is up to five years of imprisonment.

The Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) bill offers legal protections for marginalized groups and is intended to help shape a more inclusive Ireland. The bill clearly communicates that bigotry, xenophobia, and discrimination have no place in Irish society.