Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989

The 1989 Act prohibits incitement to hatred based on sexual orientation, race, religion, or nationality. The prohibition includes the publishing and distributing of written materials and visual images, inciting speech and behavior, and activities in private residences. It criminalizes various means of disseminating and/or promoting materials, words, or actions that are threatening, abusive, or insulting, and intended or likely to stir up hatred (Section 2). The prohibitions do not apply to fair and accurate reports of proceedings in the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) or before a court or tribunal exercising a judicial function (Section 5). Gender discrimination outside of sexual orientation is not addressed in this law.