‘Free speech’ – the antithesis of ‘hate speech’.
As Margaret Flavin reported for TGP last June, Ireland stands firm in its commitment to freedom of expression against perceived encroachments by the European Union, which appears intent on imposing restrictive legislation across the continent.
The EU Court of Justice has issued an ultimatum to Ireland, demanding compliance with new hate speech laws—de facto censorship—by August.
Under existing EU standards aimed at tackling racism and xenophobia, the European Commission claims Ireland has failed to sufficiently criminalize acts of racially motivated violence and hatred.
August has come and gone, and the Irish Parliament’s Daíl convened today to discuss the matter during a session directed towards Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
Breaking!
The Irish government has officially communicated to the EU that it will not comply with the demand for hate speech legislation.
A pivotal moment for free speech. pic.twitter.com/hbgN4RrxNH
— MichaeloKeeffe (@Mick_O_Keeffe) October 9, 2025
“MP: ‘Do you intend to reintroduce the hate speech legislation that failed dramatically under the last government and was proposed by the previous Minister for Justice?’”
Justice Minister: ‘The answer is no. But allow me to explain why: I’m quite confident that Ireland has already adapted the European Council framework decision on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia in a manner that aligns with our domestic legal system.’
Justice Minister: ‘I assure the House that Ireland’s stance has been communicated to the European Commission. We maintain that our implementation of the framework decision is fully executed in accordance with Irish legal and procedural standards.’
Justice Minister: ‘This approach aligns with Article 40.6 of our Constitution, which expressly guarantees and upholds the right to freedom of expression.’”
This affirmation coincides with recent communication from the Trump administration, urging the Irish Government to advocate for autonomous state-level management of hate speech within the EU.
The Times of Ireland noted:
“It also seeks for the Government to call on Brussels to reassess existing regulations to enhance protections for freedom of expression, particularly political discourse.”
The U.S. State Department, in a communication to Ireland’s media regulator last August, stated that while freedom of expression has limits, any restrictions ‘must be narrowly tailored’. It argued that government bans on hate speech or misinformation are generally unacceptable.
Furthermore, it underscored that any implementation of EU regulations affecting U.S. social media firms should respect dissenting views, including those that may be offensive or critical of political figures or governmental institutions.”
Read more:
Globalist EU Forcing Hate Speech Laws on the Irish—Given Two Months to Comply
