Learn to love: Anti-hate speech bill discussed

LAHORE: To eliminate hate speech, effective amendments are needed in the Constitution and the Pakistan Penal Code. Without changes to certain provisions, no law can stop hate speech in the country.

These views were expressed by rights activist Hussain Naqi at a forum to discuss the draft of a bill called The Punjab Prohibition of Hate Speech Bill, 2016. It had been prepared by the Punjab Youth Parliamentarian Caucus and Bargad, a civil society organisation.

Naqi said that for the independence of Pakistan, votes of Christians and Ahmadis were decisive and both these communities fall prey to hate speech more than anybody else. He said there is legislation like the Anti-Terrorism Act and Defamation Law, but hate speech could not be controlled.

PTI MPA Saadia Suhail said there are so many talk shows which are based on spreading hate on the basis of complexion, dress, physique and family background. She stressed that these programmes are promoting hate instead of controlling it.

PPP MPA Faiza Malik said there are limits to the Punjab Assembly’s abilities to create legislation against hate speech. She said as far as bringing changes to the curriculum to make it hate-free is concerned, she has already filed a resolution before the assembly. The MPA hoped it would be taken up soon.

Minority MPA Marry Gill alleged even members initiate hate speech on the floor of the house. She said MPAs should voice their support for of liberalism and enlightened moderation.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2016.