Members of the public have until 31 January 2019 to make their voices heard on the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill.
The Bill aims to provide for the offence of hate crime and the offence of hate speech and:
- Provide for the prosecution of persons who commit those offences;
- Provide for appropriate sentences that may be imposed on persons who commit hate crime and hate speech offences;
- Provide for the prevention of hate crimes and hate speech and
- Provide for the reporting on the implementation, application and administration of this Act.
“The purpose of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill is, among other things, to give effect to the obligations in terms of the constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in accordance with international law obligations,” said Justice and Correctional Services Portfolio Committee chairperson Madipoane Refiloe Moremadi Mothapo.
The committee invited stakeholders and interested persons to submit written submissions on the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill.
Submissions must be received by no later than 31 January 2019 and submitters must indicate their interest in making a verbal presentation.
Public hearings will be held in Parliament.
Submissions and enquiries must be directed to Mr V Ramaano, Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services, 3rd Floor, 90 Plein Street, Cape Town, 8000 or emailed to vramaano@parliament.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
