Invitation to comment on the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, 2016
The draft Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (hereinafter referred to as “the Bill”) aims to:
- give effect to the Republic’s 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;
- provide for the offence of hate crimes and the offence of hate speech and the prosecution of persons who commit those crimes;
- 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;
- provide for the reporting on the implementation, application and administration of this Act;
- amend certain Acts of Parliament consequentially; and
- provide for matters connected therewith.
Any person wishing to comment on the Bill is invited to submit written comments to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on or before 1 December 2016.
Comments on The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill should be marked for the attention of Ms T Ross and:
(a) if they are forwarded by post, be addressed to:
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001
(b) if delivered by hand, be delivered at:
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Salu Building, 316 Thabo Sehume Street (Corner of Thabo Sehume and Francis Baard Streets), Pretoria
(c) if they are delivered by E-mail, they can be sent to: hatecrimes@justice.gov.za; or
(d) if it is faxed, they can be faxed to 012 406 4632.
For further information, please contact:
T Ross
Tel: 012 406 4759
