The draft amendments to the Criminal Code are ready for parliamentary review. The proposed change would extend the list of hate-crime triggers beyond race, nationality, and religion to include gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity, according to a report by TOK FM. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice confirmed in an interview with the same station that the project is nearly finished and expected to be brought before the House of Representatives at the start of March and again in April.
A draft amendment will be submitted to parliament around March and April, with the aim of adding criteria such as gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity to the existing hate-crime grounds of race, nationality, and religion.
– TOK FM reports.
The ministry notes that the project is largely complete and now will enter inter-ministerial consultations.
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice explained in an interview with TOK FM that the LGBT community is awaiting the change. The past eight years have seen persistent harassment and hate speech toward community members, and the use of sexual orientation or gender identity as a basis for intimidation and disrespect has caused real pain.
There is concern that political discourse often equates criticism of policies or support for same-sex marriage with a challenge to personal beliefs or religion. Some observers point out that demonstrations for equality have sparked backlash, including attacks on Catholics and the desecration of religious symbols, fueling fears about social cohesion.
As with other hate crimes, it is anticipated that offenses based on homophobia or transphobia will be prosecuted ex officio and treated as racist hate speech, according to the statements of the official. The question remains what specific actions would be considered crimes under this category, such as affirmations about gender being limited to two categories, or interpretations that align with certain religious perspectives on marriage.
There is cautious optimism that higher authorities will not interfere with the process, even as the matter involves sensitive constitutional questions. The ministry notes that while progress is expected, the timing of any final decisions will depend on ongoing deliberations.
Discussions during media appearances have also touched on the broader constitutional process. A representative from the justice ministry described the ongoing efforts to refine and align different points of view, emphasizing that disagreements at the coalition level are being viewed as gaps to be closed. The goal is to craft a comprehensive resolution that supports further legislative steps. The ministry stressed that while a final resolution is not expected to resolve every issue immediately, it will indicate a clear direction for future reforms and action.
Observers argue that the current situation highlights the need for a considered approach to constitutional and legislative updates, avoiding rushed measures that could provoke instability. The justice ministry has underlined its commitment to a thorough, transparent process aimed at strengthening protections for all communities while safeguarding civil liberties. The broader debate continues as stakeholders seek clarity on how new provisions would operate in practice and what impact they might have on public institutions and everyday life.
In summary, the proposed amendments would place homophobic and transphobic crimes on a similar prosecutorial footing as other hate crimes, subject to established legal standards and inter-ministerial review. The public and advocacy groups await a clear timeline and detailed criteria that define what constitutes a hate-driven offense in this expanded framework. The discussions reflect a broader question about how best to balance universal rights with local traditions and beliefs, and how to implement reforms in a way that strengthens social solidarity while protecting individual freedoms.
aja TOK FM
Notes from TOK FM coverage indicate ongoing parliamentary consideration and ministerial coordination, with observers calling for careful drafting and open dialogue throughout the process.
Source: wPolityce