New hate speech laws will not “prevent people from expressing views, opinions or facts” in “artistic or political or cultural ways”, Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said.
It comes following pushback from certain quarters over the legislation that is currently progressing through the Oireachtas.
It will criminalise any intentional or reckless communication or behaviour that is likely to incite violence or hatred towards someone with a protected characteristic. This includes race, colour, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
