New law to increase prison sentences for certain crimes motivated by hatred

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has welcomed the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Bill 2022 passing all Stages in the Oireachtas, meaning that it can now be signed into law.

The Bill will provide for increased prison sentences for certain crimes, where proven to be motivated by hatred, or where hatred is demonstrated. For example, the legislation will ensure that assault aggravated by hatred, or damage to property aggravated by hatred, will attract higher prison sentences. Where hatred is not proven, a person can still be charged with assault or damage to property.

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