Ireland’s Justice Minister Defends Hate Crime Law After Donald Trump Jr. Brands It ‘Insane’

Critics say 'punitive' bill won't reduce social problems

Ireland's Justice Minister Simon Harris speaking at the official opening of a new Garda Control Centre for the Dublin Metropolitan Region at the National Train Control Centre at Heuston Station, Dublin, on May 5, 2023. Brian Lawless/PA Media

Ireland’s justice minister Simon Harris on Friday hit out at Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., who have said the country’s new hate crime bill is “insane” and a “massive attack on freedom of speech.”

Harris said the bill was passed through the lower house of Parliament with the support of all main parties, and that critics are “trying to overstate things for whatever reason.”