For the first time, Ireland is set to legislate against hate crime.
The Justice Minister is proposing a series of new offences which would mean harsher sentences for those convicted.
The legislation would apply to crimes against someone based on their race, colour, nationality, religion and ethnic background, including traveller ethnicity.
Crimes committed because of someone's sexual orientation, gender or disability would also fall under the new laws.
Head of Study of Religions & Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Islam at UCC, Amanullah De Sondy, says the legislation is needed:
"Hate crime, it really does affect individuals and in ways that some people don't actually feel Irish. It leaves them feeling unsafe, it makes them feel undervalued, and I think we can appreciate this affects individuals mental and physical health."
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