Will criminalising hate speech and crime help?

The government announced on 15 March that it had approved a bill that would criminalise hate crimes and hate speech.

Lungile Dube

April 2, 2018

MPHO MASHEGO: I don't think it will stop hate speech and hate crimes. I think it comes with a person's character because most things are said out of anger and hate.

The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill has been sent to parliament for processing.

Also read:Vicki Momberg to spend two years in jail for using the K-word

This is what some of our readers had to say about it …

JUDY MOODLEY: As much as we would like people to stop hate speech and hate crimes. I don’t think criminalising it will stop it but it will curb it.

SARITHA CEMMERS: I’m glad the bill has been passed. It will make things much better. People cannot commit hate crimes and get away with it.

SIBONGISENI KHUZWAYO: It is a good thing but I don’t think it will stop people from committing [sic] hate speech and hate crime.

LIZZY MAKGARI: I’m happy about it. It will teach people to treat others right and stop hate speech.

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