Hate Speech Bill: We respected people’s opinion: Minister

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe yesterday said the government had to withdraw the amendments to the Penal Code because of objections raised by different groups of the society including the TNA and civil organizations.

He said the government decided to bring amendments to ban hate speech due to numerous requests by NGOS, minority groups and the international community but the society itself had today opposed the amendments.

“The international community as well as the LLRC recommendations mentioned that regulations were needed with regard to hate speech so as to create reconciliation and social stability. After taking these matters into consideration, the government because of its genuine commitment decided to bring in laws to ban hate speech,” the minister said at a discussion held on legal issues relating to people living with HIV conducted by the Legal Aid Commission.

The government proposed the amendment of section 291c of the Penal Code which aims to punish those who use words, signs or visible representation with the intention of causing, instigating or attempting to instigate acts of violence or promotes religious, racial or communal disharmony or feelings of ill will or hostility between communities or different classes of persons.

Accordingly, anyone found guilty of causing religious, racial or communal disharmony would be liable to serve a two-year jail term.

The Minister said they were expecting to enact the amendments to the penal code in parliament on January 8. “However, we have to put the amendments to the bin because of people’s objection. We have respected their opinion,” he said.