Racist rants could soon land you in jail
The Department of Justice has confirmed the bill that will have possible jail time as a penalty for racist behaviour
THE Justice Department has confirmed it is working on a bill that would ensure offenders found guilty of hate speech or racist behaviour are criminally charged.
The confirmation comes hot on the heels of one of South Africa’s most racially charged weeks on social media.
Deputy Justice Minister John Jeffreys told EWN that the original intention of the bill was not to criminalise hate speech and racist behaviour but in light of recent debates, this would have to be revised.
‘That might delay the bill slightly but this seems to be a growing consensus in South Africa, that we do need legislation on racism and outlawing racism.’
The department will also revise possible penalties, some which could include jail time.
‘Obviously a crime has penalties such as punishment. The punishment is linked to the severity of the crime and there’s a range of penalties that can be imposed.’
What do you think? Should people be held criminally accountable for being racist? Leave your comments below.
