Our coalition's purpose is to safeguard the fundamental right to free speech in Ireland. We're deeply concerned about the proposed Incitement to Hatred and Hate Crime Bill, fearing that it may inadvertently stifle free speech and artistic expression in our country. We advocate for a careful revision of the legislation, insisting on more explicit protections for freedom of expression and opposing criminal penalties for the possession and preparation of material that might incite hatred.

The Bill, in its current form, contains vaguely defined offenses that could potentially be exploited to silence dissenting opinions. Moreover, the bill could grant the Gardaí broad power to seize personal items like cell phones and laptops. These aspects of the legislation pose a real threat to freedom of speech and civil liberties in Ireland.

No, we do not support hate speech, especially when it incites violence or harm to individuals or groups. However, we believe that expressions of deep offense, which may not reach a criminal threshold, should be managed through other means such as education and countered by more free speech rather than criminalization.

Your support can come in many forms. You can sign our open letter to the Irish government, share our message on social media, or participate in peaceful demonstrations against the proposed legislation. Any actions that help raise awareness about our cause are appreciated.

Our vision is an Ireland that values and upholds freedom of speech, where the spirit of creative experimentation and fierce discourse that inspired our nation's great artists and thinkers like Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Bernard Shaw to continue to thrive. We believe that Ireland should be a place where freedom of speech is not only protected but actively encouraged, contributing to a vibrant democratic society.

We also believe that best way to combat discrimination and hate is to encourage more free speech—not through the weaponization of the government.

Both Wilde and Joyce were known for their fearless exploration of language and pushing boundaries through their writing. The proposed legislation, due to its broad scope and undefined language, could potentially silence similar creative voices today.

In fact, we have highlighted specific instances where great Irish writers from the past would be censored and even arrested under this bill.

We also believe that best way to combat discrimination and hate is to encourage more free speech—not through the the weaponization of the government.

We want the Incitement to Hatred and Hate Crime Bill be revisited with the explicit goal of strengthening freedom of expression and civil liberties. We also believe that other forms of hate speech, which may cause deep offense but do not reach a criminal threshold, should be combated by other means—including education and vigorous free speech by all—not by giving the government the blunt instrument of search and seizure.

Absolutely! Irish Free Speech Coalition is a group of all who believe in the importance of protecting free speech and democratic values. You can stand with us, spread the word, and help resist this potential encroachment on our civil liberties.

This refers to our collective responsibility to ensure that future generations inherit an Ireland where freedom of speech is cherished, not penalised, and where the spirit of bold exploration and rich creativity that defined the works of our most cherished authors and poets continues to thrive. We believe this legislation is a slippery slope that puts free speech in Ireland in peril.