Protect Free Speech Rally

Non-partisan rally to take place on Saturday 14th December outside Leinster House on Kildare street. 1pm

All parties and all people welcome. Fight Charlie Flanagan and Fine Gael’s attempt to control what we can and cannot say. No pretext is justifiable to limit speech, “hate speech” or otherwise.

Freedom of expression
You have a right to freely express your convictions and opinions (Article 40.6.1.i). However, the Constitution asserts that the State should try to make sure that the radio, the press and the cinema are not used to undermine public order or morality or the authority of the State. It also states that it is an offence to publish or utter blasphemous, seditious or indecent matter.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has said he would like to see new legislation on freedom of speech introduced next year.

A public consultation has been launched to update Ireland’s law regulating hate speech.

The consultation phase will run to 13 December, while a second phase dealing with hate crime will be published in the new year.

Mr Flanagan said it is important that our legislation in this area is fit for purpose.

There have been about 50 prosecutions under the existing hate speech legislation in the 30 years it has existed, with a handful of convictions. The fear is the government will introduce hard-line legislation to prosecute political decent to the FG/FF governments that have caused such calamity across Irish society

The Patriots movement of Ireland expects that community members will:

1. Be considerate and respectful to all community members and members of the public.
2. Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, and vulgar speech. Do not engage with counter protestors
3. Speak up if they observe anything at an event that conflicts with this Code of Conduct. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the event steward or Garda immediately.