Showdown on gender definition in hate crime Bill looms, Two Genders Male and Female.

Government plans to push through remaining stages of legislation without hate speech elements against backdrop of dispute over meaning of terms used. Revolt in Government and Irish People Looming?

Thu Oct 10 2024 – 20:22

A showdown over the definition of gender in the new hate crime legislation is due in the Seanad next week when the Government will seek to push through all remaining stages of the contentious legislation.

After the legislation was paused due to a backbench revolt, the Government said it would proceed with the hate crime elements of the Bill, but park the hate speech sections which had aroused significant criticism from a variety of sources, including Twitter owner Elon Musk.

Amendments to give effect to the changes are due to be brought to the Seanad next week, where the Government has said it will complete all remaining stages of the Bill. However, opponents of the Bill sharply criticised Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, saying they were being kept in the dark about the detail of the changes.

“The Government is acting arrogantly,” said Independent Senator Michael McDowell