Proposed homosexual 'hate speech' law 'gay fascism' says conservative MP

Sejm, Thursday: photo - PAP/Andrzej Hrechorowicz

“Expressions such as “hate speech” and “sexual orientation” are gibberish and leftist newsspeak,” Law and Justice (PiS) MP Stanisław Pięta told the lower house of parliament (Sejm), Thursday.

“The gay fascism you are proposing will not pass,” Pięta told liberal/left MPs from the third and fourth largest parties in parliament, the Palikot Movement and Democratic Left Alliance (SLD), who put have put forward a motion to create a law against hate speech directed towards homosexuals in Poland.

“The change in law should only worry those who use the rhetoric of hatred,” said Palikot Movement politician Robert Biedron, Poland's first openly gay MP.

“The idea is that every person has an inherent dignity and should be respected by everyone,” said SLD MP Ryszard Kalisz.

Both parties have called on the Parliamentary Ethics Committee to examine the remarks made by the Law and Justice MP.

Poland's 'hate speech' laws are currently included in the Criminal Code and Constitution, which outlaws incitement of racial, religious or sectarian hatred but does include a specific clause on sexuality.

The ruling centre-right Civic Platform/Polish Peasants Party (PSL) coalition has called for further work on any proposed bill on the issue, saying that terms included in the draft laws such as “gender identity” are vague and need clarification. (pg)

source: TVP