Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq chairs second consultation on idea of drafting anti-hate speech bill

Kurdistan Parliament Speaker Dr. Rewaz Faiq on 26 February 2023 chaired a second consultation on the concept of anti-hate speech legislation, with experts and academics and organizations.

The meeting was attended by the Head of the Kurdistan Islamic Religious Scholars Union, UNAMI’s Human Rights Officer, the Chief of UNAMI’s Human Rights Office, representatives of the Kurdistan Journalists Union, of universities and civil society organizations, the chair of Parliament’s Legislative Committee and several Parliament advisers.

The issues covered were the concept of such a bill, the definition of hate speech and its negative impact on social, religious and cultural life, the impact of social media, the reasons for hate speech and how to prevent its dissemination.

Speaker Faiq said, “There is a thin line between freedom of expression and hate speech, and even if there are differences of opinion on political, religion and social matters, it should not lead to hate speech, which will have a direct damaging impact on societal peace,"

She continued, "The Kurdistan Parliament is dealing with the details of this idea with great care, in the future we will hold as many consultations as possible. That’s why we want your opinions on the need for a law on this issue.”

The participants expressed their views on the idea of the bill.