This Bill is not fit for purpose. Yes, they have removed the hate speech element, but the big concern now is the collapse of the definition of gender. In Irish law, gender means whether someone is male or female. However, if the novel definition of gender in the hate crime Bill is introduced, the protections we have for single-sex spaces will be eroded overnight. We are facing a dystopian future, and we must prevent this from happening. The General Election is looming, email/phone your TD and tell them that they will not get your vote if the Hate Crime Bill is passed.
You can find a list of TD contact details here: https://oireachtas.ie/en/contact-us/ If you need help, please contact us. https://thecountess.ie/contact/
Below is a template letter you can use to contact your TD or assist you with your email or phone call.
AN BILLE UM CHEARTAS COIRIÚIL (GRÍOSÚ CHUN FORÉIGIN NÓ FUATHA AGUS CIONTA FUATHA), 2022 CRIMINAL JUSTICE (INCITEMENT TO VIOLENCE OR HATRED AND HATE OFFENCES) BILL 2022
Dear TD [NAME]
I am a voter in your constituency. I am writing to urge you to vote against this Bill in its current form.
It goes against every principle of justice to create a hierarchy of victims in law.
Furthermore, the nonsensical definition of gender and gender identity is designed to embed confusion into our legislation and will be harmful to women and LGB people.
Ask yourself: Can you stand over this circular non-definition being added to our statute books? Will you be able to explain this when you come looking for my vote?
Part 1 Section 3 Subsection 2:
(d) “gender” means the gender of a person or the gender which a person expresses as the person’s preferred gender or with which the person identifies and includes transgender and a gender other than those of male and female,
(f) references to sex characteristics shall be construed as references to the physical and biological features of a person relating to sex
I will not vote for a candidate or party who supports this Bill.
Kind Regards,
[YOUR NAME]
