Dear Senators, It is now in your hands to either endorse or reject the most significant assault on free speech in the history of the Irish State, and indeed in the recent history of the West. Before signing off on the Hate Offences Bill, you might consider whether you are willing to live with its rather dystopian consequences for civil liberties in Ireland.
In a proper world passing this legislation would make Ireland a pariah state like North Korea. In reality the ring leaders of this circus will probably be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
BTW, how did we end up in a world where legislation like this is even considered?
I am always amazed that elected officials think they can legislate morality. If only we had a law that stopped people from having mean thoughts, society would be so much more civil!
Isn't it amazing how countries around the world have introduced nearly the same legislation at exactly the same time? It's almost as though it was being coordinated...
Great letter - I hope many others will write similar messages too.
This is a world wide phenomenon- it has to be coordinated. How can the same people fighting and supporting wars all over the globe in the name of democracy and human rights on the other hand support such totalitarian, oppressive and dehumanizing legislation!?
Writing from Canada, is this proposed legislation not similar to what is in the UK called “offense against the King’s peace”? I recall nudity offenses to be prosecuted under this law. If so, there is already a precedent. Just a ‘heads up’ for you David.
“offense against the King’s peace” sounds more like public disorder to me, unless it’s been applied specifically to incitement to hatred offences. The Hate Offences Bill deals with a very special type of legal offence, pertaining to speech, which for me is deeply problematic in ways concrete public order offences like nudity are not.
In a proper world passing this legislation would make Ireland a pariah state like North Korea. In reality the ring leaders of this circus will probably be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
I agree, fantastic and clear summary - perfect for sharing onwards 😊🙏
Thanks!
BTW, how did we end up in a world where legislation like this is even considered?
I am always amazed that elected officials think they can legislate morality. If only we had a law that stopped people from having mean thoughts, society would be so much more civil!
Isn't it amazing how countries around the world have introduced nearly the same legislation at exactly the same time? It's almost as though it was being coordinated...
Great letter - I hope many others will write similar messages too.
In Australia, the consultation process ended months ago and our submissions are slowly being uploaded in tranches here - https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/new-acma-powers-combat-misinformation-and-disinformation. The submission I sent in on behalf of the Australian Vaccination-risks Network (one of the most censored groups in Australia) is still not uploaded but can be read here:
https://informedchoice.substack.com/p/submission-to-acma-inquiry-regarding
This is a world wide phenomenon- it has to be coordinated. How can the same people fighting and supporting wars all over the globe in the name of democracy and human rights on the other hand support such totalitarian, oppressive and dehumanizing legislation!?
Nicely put!
Happening in all our countries; I definitely think this is being coordination. I’d like to know who these people are.
Writing from Canada, is this proposed legislation not similar to what is in the UK called “offense against the King’s peace”? I recall nudity offenses to be prosecuted under this law. If so, there is already a precedent. Just a ‘heads up’ for you David.
“offense against the King’s peace” sounds more like public disorder to me, unless it’s been applied specifically to incitement to hatred offences. The Hate Offences Bill deals with a very special type of legal offence, pertaining to speech, which for me is deeply problematic in ways concrete public order offences like nudity are not.
these people hate us, they want us dead, and they think its funny.
but its cute how you still believe that you can "reason" with them... sounds like youre stuck in your "love your enemies" slave-morality