Copyright thejournal
We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories File photo of an anti-racism protest in Dublin in July 2025.RollingsNews.ie European Commission Hate speech 'widespread' in Ireland and legislation should be prioritised, report says A decision was taken in September last year to remove legislation relating to hate speech from a hate crime bill due to a lack of consensus within government at the time. 8.13am, 28 Oct 2025 Share options A NEW REPORT from the European Commission has said legislation banning hate speech and improving accommodation for international protection applicants are “matters of priority” in Ireland. The Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), set up by the Council of Europe, said hate speech “remains widespread” and is most commonly anti-migrant in nature. It said that “ill-informed responses” from some politicians to events in local communities has further fuelled hatred and escalated tensions. The European Commission has long been critical of Ireland’s lack of legislation against hate speech, which it says results in the country failing to comply with European laws, first agreed to in 2008, surrounding the criminalisation of race-based violence and hatred. Despite this, the decision was taken in September last year to remove legislation relating to hate speech from the act due to a lack of consensus within government at the time. The report also highlighted the level of hate speech directed at LGBTI+ people, adding that there has been a “notable deterioration in attitudes” towards transgender and intersex communities – with many now feeling unsafe to express their sexual orientation or gender identity in public. Advertisement It also advised that despite An Garda Síochána publishing hate crime data on an annual basis, there is still a lack of data on the issue, and its investigation, prosecution, conviction and sentencing. 15 recommendations The report made a total of 15 recommendations to reduce racism and intolerance in Ireland. Another issue highlighted by the report is that Travellers and Roma continue to face high levels of racism and discrimination “across all areas of life”, including education, employment, housing, and health. It also said there has been a “stark decline in the mental health of LGBTI+ people”, calling for the prohibition of conversion practices and medically unnecessary and non-consensual surgeries performed on intersex children. It criticised the lack of resources given to the states human rights body the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), which it said will reduce effectiveness of new mandates given to the body. It was also critical of human rights education in schools, outlining that the quality varies “significantly depending on schools and teachers”. Positive changes The body welcomed several changes in Ireland since 2019, including the launch of a new National Action Plan Against Racism, the preparation of a draft National LGBTQI+ Inclusion Strategy and new mechanisms for dealing with hate crime. It also highlighted new measures concerning Travellers and Roma, including the first Traveller and Roma Education Strategy 2024-2030, as well as efforts to support staff in fostering inclusiveness in schools. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Sophie Finn Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Hate speech 'widespread' in Ireland and legislation should be prioritised, report says”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Hate speech 'widespread' in Ireland and legislation should be prioritised, report says”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... council of europe European Commission Hate speech INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION News in 60 seconds Good Morning The 8 at 8: Tuesday 27 mins ago Trump and new Japanese prime minister sign deal to 'secure' rare earths supply Rodgers resigns as Celtic boss with ex-Ireland manager O’Neill taking interim charge book extract Mattress Mick: How I found my trading feet at Dublin's Dandelion Market Hurricane Melissa to batter Jamaica as the island’s strongest storm on record Gaza Medevac Ireland completes complex medical evacuation of sick children from Gaza to Ireland InvestigatesHistoric psychiatric institutions ‘They have been sidelined’ - historic trauma at Ireland's mental institutions Niamh Cavanagh Michael D Higgins President Higgins to remain in hospital for treatment of infection A man has been arrested after he barricaded himself inside an empty creche in County Meath North Strand Road Man charged with assault and public order offences after Connolly canvasser incident New public toilets in North Dublin park vandalised after one week more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
