Hate speech and hate crime - opinion - 26.6.23

Hate speech and hate crime have long been recognised by the European Parliament as a form of crime which should be added to the list of crimes articulated in Article 83(1) TFEU. Hate speech and hate crime can have enormous consequences for individuals or groups that are targeted by these offences. Women are disproportionally victims of hate crime and hate speech. Including hate speech and hate crime in the list of crimes in Article 83(1) TFEU is a step forward in combatting this scourge, and would move the EU closer to its ideals and values, including gender equality.

The rapporteur calls for the Council decision to be concluded as swiftly as possible, and for it to include an explicit definition. Noting the origins and consequences of hate speech and crime, the rapporteur calls for the Commission to actively research, analyse and report on anti-gender movements, including their strategies and funding.