Justice and Correctional Services Committee resolves to issue Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill for public input
18 August 2021
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services today received a briefing on the Qwelane Constitutional Court judgement and resolved to issue the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill for public comment.
Committee Chairperson Mr Bulelani Magwanishe said the committee has awaited the court judgment on this matter before proceeding with it, as it relates to offensive language towards members of the LGBT+ community. The previous Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services had called for public comment or input on the Bill up until 31 January 2019. The committee had intended to hold public hearings after the closing date, but due to its heavy workload and the looming National Elections at the time, this could unfortunately not happen and the Bill lapsed at the end of the fifth Parliament.
“Due to the length of time since then and the court judgement, although it specifically only referred to amending the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000, the committee has agreed to re-advertise the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill for public input. The court judgement provides clear parameters on how the committee should approach the Bill,” he said.
During today’s briefing, the committee heard that the Bill seeks to address the increasing number of incidents motivated by prejudices, in the form of hate crimes and hate speech, and to assist persons who are victims thereof. It also seeks to create the offences of hate crimes and hate speech, and puts in place measures to prevent and combat these offences.