The Constitution’s 39th and 40th amendments enjoyed the backing from the dominant part of ruling and opposition lawmakers in the Dáil, along with a large number of Non-Governmental Organisations. However, they faced substantial disapprobation, with approximately 70% of voters opposing them. Still, the Government asserts its deference towards this outcome.
Similiarly, the ‘Hate Speech Bill’, officially known as the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence, Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, won the favour of most lawmakers in the Dáil and a significant number of NGOs. Yet, about 70% of those who voiced their opinions during the consultation held dissenting viewpoints, as per news of November 4th, 2022 (“Public resistance towards hate crime reforms increases while most politicians were in favour of amendments”). It is suggested that the Government heed this outcome too.
In light of the citizen’s overwhelming disapproval of the family referendum, largely owing to the absence of an explicit definition of a ‘durable relationship’, it is imperative that the Government reconsider the Hate Speech Bill in its current form. The lack of a clear definition of ‘hate’ within the bill is a resounding point of contention.