Legal definition of Hate Speech
Legal definition of Hate Speech is any expression that incites violence, discrimination, or hostility against individuals or groups based on their identity or belonging, such as:
race or ethnicity
religion or belief
nationality or national origin
gender or gender identity
disability
political affiliation
social class
Key elements: Hate speech must include incitement or a call for violence/discrimination, not just the expression of an opposing opinion.
What do we legally monitor?
- ✓calls for extermination or collective violence
- ✓intentional misinformation that harms a specific group
What is not subject to legal follow-up?
- ✗personal disputes not related to hate speech
- ✗individual insults without incitement
- ✗non-public content such as private messages
- ✗reports without evidence or a verifiable link
Hate Speech vs. Freedom of Expression
Protected freedom of expression
- objective criticism of ideas and beliefs
- expressing political opposition
- constructive critique of policies and practices
- non-offensive satire and humor
- academic or research-based discussion
Not protected (Hate Speech)
- incitement to violence against a group
- calls for discrimination or exclusion
- defamation of a group based on identity
- direct or indirect threats
- spreading false information to stir hatred
The boundary: Freedom of expression ends where incitement to hatred or violence begins. You may criticize ideas, but you cannot incite harm against people because of who they are.