A Bill for the Criminalization of Hate Speech Based on Age and Disability Has Been Submitted – A Timeless demand of the Cyprus Third Age Observatory
An important step towards equality and the protection of the rights of older adults and people with disabilities has been taken with the submission of a bill aimed at amending the Law on Combating Certain Forms and Manifestations of Racism and Xenophobia through Criminal Law. This bill, a longstanding request of the Cyprus Senior Citizens Observatory, introduces the criminalization of incitement to violence and hate speech against individuals based on their age or disability.
To date, the existing legal framework protects groups and individuals from hate speech based on characteristics such as race, gender, color, religion, ethnic origin, and sexual orientation. However, hate speech targeting individuals due to their age or disability remains unpunished—an oversight that contradicts both the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and international recommendations, including the 2022 Recommendation of the Council of Europe's Council of Ministers on Hate Speech.
This crucial legislative amendment addresses a significant legal gap, ensuring the protection of vulnerable social groups from discrimination and verbal attacks that undermine their dignity and fundamental rights. At the same time, it strengthens efforts to combat the increasing incidents of ageism and ableism, challenging the social prejudices that sustain inequalities.
The Cyprus Third Age Observatory, which has long advocated for this regulation, welcomes this initiative as a vital step towards a society founded on equality, justice, and respect for human dignity. Additionally, it expresses gratitude to the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, Justice and Public Order—particularly MPs Alexandra Attalidou and Giorgos Koukoumas—for bringing attention to this issue and recognizing the urgent need for legislative action on such an important matter.
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