Call for clarity on gender references in ‘Hate Speech Bill’

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has expressed concern regarding aspects of the hate crime and hate speech legislation, the so-called Hate Speech Bill.

Senator Murphy says he and colleague Senator Lisa Chambers both expressed their concerns at a recent Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party meeting, particularly around the issues of gender. They called for further debate and expressed a desire to table Amendments in the Senate on the matter if necessary.

Following a suggestion by Party Chairperson Brendan Smith TD, it was agreed to have the matter referred to an in-party committee which is already in existence, chaired by Jim O’Callaghan, to look at possible Senate Amendments.

In a press statement, Senator Eugene Murphy insisted there are serious clarifications needed around the issue of gender, although he did not outline his specific concerns.

He said: “If this Bill goes through in its present format, I have major worries for the future. The need for clarification around ‘other genders’ – other than male or female – needs immediate clarification in the Bill”.

Senator Murphy said he has received a large number of emails from parents of school-going children, “posing genuine questions that need clarification”.

He added: “Those messages are clearly coming from the general public and not any right wing source, as is sometimes suggested.

“Deputy O’Callaghan himself has indicated concerns about the Bill and has stated that certain Amendments if brought forward could actually improve the Bill”.

Senators Murphy and Chambers are to be part of the in-party committee to further probe this Bill.