Calls for the swift passage of proposed hate crime legislation, in response to rising levels of reported hate crimes in Ireland, are gaining momentum. Martin Collins, co-director of the Pavee Point Traveller and Roma centre, attributed opposition to this legislation to those benefitting from social privilege who have not experienced hate speech in their lives. Collins condemned playing politics over such a critical issue as reckless and dangerous.
Shane O’Curry from the Irish Network Against Racism argues this surge in racially fuelled attacks is alarming but expected, thanks to far-right agitators. He suspects the actual number of these incidents are significantly larger, urging the Government to enact the hate crime bill and provide An Garda Síochána with necessary tools to address the issue.
At a press conference held by the Coalition Against Hate Crime, consisting of 23 civil society organisations that represent communities affected by hate crime, these sentiments were echoed. Coinciding with the release of new figures, showing a 12% rise in reported hate incidents to An Garda Síochána last year, it was revealed that the majority of these incidents were tied to the victims’ ethnicity or nationality.
Out of a recorded 651 hate incidents in 2023 – both criminal and non-criminal – hate crimes saw an almost 8% increase to 548 incidents. There was a striking 43% increase in non-criminal hate incidents, amounting to 103 incidents. The statistics suggest that race-based hate was a common factor in 36% of reported incidents, followed by nationality and sexual orientation-based hate at 18% and 16% respectively.
Public order incidents were the most common type of hate-related crime at 27%, trailed by minor assaults (16%), non-fire related (9%) and fire-related criminal damage (3%).
Luna Lara Liboni, the chair of the coalition and senior policy officer with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, suggested that while it’s encouraging to see more individuals reporting their experiences, it indicates a concerning trend. It further confirms the known reality of emerging hate crimes and hostility towards marginalised communities in Ireland.
“It’s high time that public officials and political factions heed the alerting numbers, considering Ireland’s lack of legislation against hate crimes,” argued a representative. Research conducted by the ICCL indicates that, in the absence of such laws, the aspect of hate is often overlooked before a conviction and sentencing takes place. Putting legislation in place would disclose the hidden impact and acknowledge the extra damage inflicted by crimes targeting one’s inherent identity, thus conveying a clear message that such actions are not to be tolerated in society.
Mr. Collins spoke of the fear that hate crimes, occurring nationwide, immerses individuals and larger social networks, including Travellers and Roma communities. He mentioned that the ripple effect of such crimes can cast a shadow over a whole community, making them feel marginalized and threatened. Mr. Collins emphasized the government’s requirement to facilitate the swift progress of this Bill, as it serves to shield communities prone to hate crimes and extremist hate speech.
Reflecting the genuine experiences of the LGBTQ+ populace in Ireland, the recent statistics reveal a consistent ascendance in discriminatory crimes, stated Pádraig Rice, the policy and research manager of LGBT Ireland. Urging the government to proactively respond, Mr. Rice insisted on a fast-paced advancement of the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill, complemented by a comprehensive action plan.
“Despite the right of the LGBTQ+ members to get married, there is a persistent unease among us when walking down the streets. The stark reality of our daily lives involves grappling with homophobia, biphobia, lesbophobia and transphobia,” explained Rice.
Currently under the scrutiny of the Seanad, the proposed Bill includes provisions for enhanced versions of existing crimes, motivated by hatred against people possessing a ‘protected characteristic’ like race and sexual orientation. It also proposes the creation of a new offence centred on the promotion of violence or hate through public communication, knowing that it is probable to spur hate crimes or violence.