Becky Kealy: Eugenics & Hatred Should Not Be Profited From!
Aontú Rep for Cork North West, Becky Kealy has called on the government to prohibit the sale of and import of clothing and apparel that incite hatred, deride people with disabilities or which promote racism.
Becky Kealy: “A growing concern amongst myself and others is the merchandise now being sold on online retailers like Amazon which has no place in Irish society. In the last 24 hours, many of my own constituents and people from across the country contacted myself and Aontú reps to bring attention to a t shirt currently available to purchase on Amazon. The t shirt read “Let’s Make Down Syndrome Extinct!” with another variation saying “F*ck Down Syndrome!” This is absolutely unacceptable. Could you imagine the pain and hurt caused to those with Down Syndrome or their families if they saw somebody walking down the street with a t shirt with a “Let’s Make Down Syndrome Extinct!” slogan?”
“The government can take one of two courses of action, the government can either make clear to online retailers that such hateful merchandise will not be allowed into the country. Or, the government can enact an additional financial penalty on the sale and import of hateful material into the country – sending a clear message that no one will profit from eugenics or hatred on Irish soil. This is not an isolated incident. In the past, online retailers such as Amazon have sold neo-Nazi apparel, KKK paraphernalia, and t shirts depicting the Nazi Execution of Jews. That has no place in Irish society – it never has and never will. That is why I am calling on the government to take appropriate measures to ensure that hatred do not reach Irish shores.”
