Simon Harris has said he will not abandon the Hate Crime legislation when he becomes Taoiseach. 

The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 would amend the law in relation to the “prohibition of incitement to violence or hatred against a person or a group of persons on account of certain characteristics”. 

Yesterday, Sinn Féin came out against the legislation, describing it as not fit for purpose. 

Minister Harris said their opposition was “some turnabout from them but we’re used to that” but said the legislation is in need of modernisation. 

“The Programme for Government does commit to legislation in relation to hate crime - and for good reason,” he said. 

“I think it’s clear that our statute books do require updating in relation to this. 

“I think it’s also fair to say within that space that there have been a number of legitimate questions raised by people about the content of the legislation.”

Simon Harris in the Newstalk Studio, 12/11/2023. Image via Yuzzit.ie

Minister Harris also said the current version of the legislation is unlikely to be what is passed into law.

“I think people have asked for clarification,” he said. 

“‘What does this mean? What does that mean?’

“I think if we’ve learnt anything from the referendum, I think we’ve learnt politicians should approach all of these issues with humility and listen to people and the concerns that they are raising. 

“I absolutely know that’s what my colleague and friend Minister McEntee is doing, that’s what she said she would do and, therefore, I would expect revisions - certainly amendments in relation to legislation.” 

Opponents of the bill have said if passed into law it would have a “chilling” impact on free speech and Senator Michael McDowell said it could lead to “public disorder”.

Main image: Minister Simon Harris at Dublin Castle. Image: PA Images / Alamy