Revised “Hate Speech Bill” Now Open for Comment

INFORMATION:Please note the call for comments on the revised draft of thePREVENTION AND COMBATING OF HATE CRIMES AND HATE SPEECH BILL(“the Bill”) is open until 15 February 2019.Most notably, clause 4(1) of the Bill makes “hate speech” acrime – with potentially dire repercussions from a freedom of (religious) expression point of view. The offence will make any speech (as well as the distribution of such speech) that could be construed to be “harmful” on a wide range of grounds, a criminal act carrying a jail sentence of up to three (3) years.While we are encouraged by the inclusion of a “religious exemption clause” (in clause 4(2)(d)) in the Bill – as advocated for by FOR SA, and the many religious organisations and groups who previously made submissions on the Bill – concerns regarding criminalisation of free speech remain.Even if you have previously made a submission on the Bill (to the Deputy Minister of Justice), please do make a submission again (this time, to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Justice).Written submissionsmust be received byFriday, 15 February 2019, and can be emailed to the Committee Secretary, Mr Vhonani Ramaano (vramaano@parliament.gov.za).