Bill to fight hate speech 'will inhibit free speech', Dáil told

Richard Boyd Barrett said he supports the original idea behind the bill, but it contains some serious problems in its current form

Peadar Tobin said a liberal democracy is built upon allowing ideas to compete with each other so we can test, challenge and measure their value. File photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The Government’s new Incitement to Hatred Bill will inhibit free speech and is a threat to the democratic function of our society, the Dáil has heard.

During the Second Stage debate, several members of the Opposition voiced concern over the bill which Justice Minister Helen McEntee said is aimed at protecting minorities from “horrendous and unacceptable prejudice, contempt and hostility” on a daily basis.