Eileen Flynn calls for hate crime legislation
“We need to recognise the particular damage and harm that hate crime causes, and find the best way to respond and protect us all”
Independent Senator Eileen Flynn has relaunched the powerful #LoveNotHate campaign, asking the public to sign the petition.
The Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) campaign began in 2015, and is something Eileen worked on alongside other anti-racist, minority rights, disabled people’s rights and LGBTQI+ rights groups.
“As a member of the original Action Against Racism group, which developed this campaign with INAR in 2015, I am very proud to be standing alongside my sisters and brothers from groups representing all ethnic minorities, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people in calling for the strongest legislation possible to protect all groups from forms of violence and harm that are directed at them because of who they are,” Eileen says.
Watch the video launch with the Senator here:
“If we want a society where all of us can participate as equals, then we need to recognise the particular damage and harm that hate crime causes, and find the best way to respond and protect us all. I warmly welcome the Department of Justice’s publication of “Legislating for Hate Speech and Hate Crime in Ireland – Report on the Public Consultation 2020” in December, following the conclusion of its review of the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989,” Eileen says.
“I am looking forward now to progressing on the kind of hate crime legislation that gives meaningful protection to all affected groups, and hope that this can contribute to a society where minorities and other groups can participate safely and as equals.”
Privileged to relaunch the #LoveNotHate campaign by @INARIreland calling for #HateCrime legislation.
Calling for the best legislative protections for all the affected groups from the harms caused by identity-based crimes.
Read more here: https://t.co/2w4Mxu94Vp pic.twitter.com/E5fJYL6ePr
— Eileen Ní Fhloinn (@Love1solidarity) March 10, 2021
Vice Chair of INAR Claudia Hoareau explained that while good hate crime legislation can not act as a panacea for racism, bigotry and inequality, it can help form a basis to protect people.
It outlines protections from the worst impacts of discriminatory violence and crime, and provides clarity for An Garda Siochana in responding appropriately and taking into account the affected communities’ needs.
Learn more about the #LoveNotHate campaign here and sign the petition here.
Take a look back at Senator Flynn’s powerful September | October Irish Country Magazine cover below.
