Aontú TD for Mayo, Paul Lawless, has sharply criticised the Irish Government for its silence and double-speak in response to EU pressure to introduce new hate speech legislation. Raising the issue in the Dáil this week, Deputy Lawless warned that Ireland faces a “direct threat” to its sovereignty and democratic freedoms if it caves to Brussels on vague and dangerous hate speech proposals.
“I want to express my deep concern at the European Union’s attempts to enforce hate speech legislation upon Ireland: legislation that would undermine our national sovereignty, erode freedom of expression, and impose a one-size-fits-all model completely out of step with our Constitution,” said Lawless.
The European Commission has recently launched infringement proceedings against Ireland, giving the Government just six weeks to respond. Yet, according to Deputy Lawless, “we have heard nothing from the Government regarding its plan of action.”
“We absolutely must stand against threatening or abusive behaviour. Every person in this country deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. But we already have laws that do just that. What we cannot do is allow vague, undefined concepts of ‘hate speech’ to be weaponised against people who express views contrary to the status quo.”
Lawless called for the Minister for Justice to appear before the Dáil immediately to clarify the Government’s position and the options being considered in response to the EU.
“This is not a time for hiding. Will the Government roll over and implement draconian restrictions? Or will it defend the right of the Irish people to think and speak freely?”
Concluding, Deputy Lawless said:
“Aontú will oppose any measure that undermines our constitutional freedoms and national sovereignty. Our laws must be made in the Dáil and in the Seanad, not rubber-stamped from Brussels.”
