Tyrants Fold When You Push Back: Ireland Scraps Hate Speech Law That Would've Criminalized MEMES

Posted • September 22, 2024: Back in January, Free Speech Ireland posted a dire warning about proposed 'hate speech' legislation that would have untold impact on everything from memes to art to music. Seriously. You could've gone to jail for merely possessing 'hateful' cartoons. Well, after pushback from Elon Musk and free speech groups, that law has been scrapped: Massive Free Speech Victory! Ireland's government has abandoned its proposed hate speech law, which would have allowed the police to enter homes and search phones and computers for wrongthink. This is wonderful news that gives us momentum to beat back totalitarianism worldwide! https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GYAG5P6b0AESXmO?format=jpg&name=medium -- The Government will drop controversial plans to introduce hate speech laws, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed after it was revealed in The Irish Times on Saturday.

However, the Minister has said she will press ahead with the hate crime part of the criminal justice legislation despite it being seen as a row-back on her commitment. Speaking in Athlone, she confirmed that she plans to include committee stage amendments to the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 in the Seanad. Ms McEntee said that the “incitement to hatred” element of the bill does “not have a consensus”, and will be dealt with at a later time. -- So they'll revisit it when they think the political winds have shifted. Be vigilant. Keep pushing back against these tyrants. Western leaders like Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee say that new laws are needed to fight "hate speech." But all available data, including the government's own public consultation on the matter, shows that the public overwhelmingly oppose such laws. (…)

• More at: Twitchy - Tyrants Fold When You Push Back: Ireland Scraps Hate Speech Law That Would've Criminalized MEMES
https://twitchy.com/amy-curtis/2024/09/21/michael-shellenberger-ireland-free-speech-n2401248
The Irish Times: Plan to introduce hate speech laws has been dropped, Minister for Justice confirms
https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/21/minister-for-justice-confirms-plan-to-introduce-hate-speech-laws-has-been-dropped/