Media Statement: Passage of the Prevention & Combating of Hate Crime & Hate Speech Bill

THE HATE CRIME WORKING GROUP WELCOMES THE PASSAGE OF THE PREVENTION AND COMBATING OF HATE CRIMES AND HATE SPEECH BILL BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The Hate Crimes Working Group (HCWG*) welcomes the passage by Parliament of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill. On Tuesday 05 December 2023 Deputy Minister of Justice John Jeffery, through his X (formerly Twitter) Account officially announced that the Bill had been passed by National Assembly, who supported the amendments by the NCOP. We (HCWG) see this as a great way to end 2023.

The HCWG, a coalition of civil society organisations from a variety of sectors and disciplines, has been advocating for a comprehensive South African law against hate crime since 2009. We have submitted writings, participated in public hearings, mobilized support, and prompted public comments each time activism was necessary to advance the passage of the Bill.

We would like to congratulate the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on its exceptional work. You played a crucial role in the success of the passage of this Bill by the National Assembly. You have worked hard for a long time to achieve this. We are thankful for the advocacy.

The Bill has been sent to the Honorable President for his signature. Mr President, we look forward to your signing this very important and urgently needed legislation in our country without fear, favour or further delay.

*The HCWG is a multi-sectoral network of civil society organizations set up to spearhead advocacy and reform initiatives pertaining to hate crimes in South Africa and the region. Members of the network work in diverse sectors, namely in LGBTI rights; migrants, refugees and asylum seekers rights; gender-based entities and broader human rights organizations. They all share a common concern on the impact of hate crimes in South Africa from the perspective of the victims or from a legal, service provision, research-based or advocacy perspective.

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