Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-priest-reading-a-bible-7219513/A new bill aimed to tackle hate speech will not cover church sermons that condemn abortion or being gay.
The legislation aims to target discrimination which the Department of Justice says is deemed to be an 'extreme form of hate'.
This includes speech that incites acts of hostility, discrimination or violence, according to The Irish Times.
However the Department says the bill which goes before the Dáil today it will protect 'freedom of expression'.
The department told the Irish Times: “individuals can hold and express opinions which others might find offensive or shocking. The new legislation recognises that communication is not taken to incite violence or hatred solely on the basis that it involves or includes discussion or criticism of matters relating to the protected characteristics.”
