Discussion | New hate crime bill expected to be signed into law by Ramaphosa

LONDON - The passing of the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill has been welcomed by the Access Chapter Two organisation.

It believes that the law will mark a critical turning point in efforts to establish a culture that categorically denounces and prohibits hate speech and hate crimes.

READ: National Assembly passes bill to criminalise hate crimes, speech

The bill has been handed to President Cyril Ramaphosa to review and sign into law.

The Bill aims to protect all South Africans from hate crimes and hate speech, especially those based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or any other form of discrimination.

The Bill defines a hate crime as an offence where the offender is encouraged by prejudice towards a victim of a crime due to specific or perceived characteristics. Hate speech is defined as the intentional publishing of anything that can incite or promote hate.

To unpack this further, we speak to Access Chapter 2 Executive Director, Steve Letsike.