Bahrain is fast-tracking a legal move to enhance coexistence and tolerance and, at the same time, combat hate speech with fines of up to BD20,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both.
The government has formally submitted to Parliament a comprehensive draft law described by officials as a critical step to safeguard national unity and social stability.
The bill, forwarded by Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, has been placed on the agenda for urgent scheduling in today’s parliamentary session and will be referred to the relevant joint committee for detailed review.
The draft law is anchored in existing national legislation and Bahrain’s international commitments, including the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedures Law, the Press and Digital Media Law, and Bahrain’s accession to the International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights and on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
It also builds on the mandate of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance.
The bill defines key concepts – including coexistence, tolerance, undermining social cohesion, and hate speech – and mandates that all government and non-government entities co-operate with the centre to promote these values across society.
Under Article (Two), the legislation aims to:
n Promote coexistence, solidarity and mutual respect
n Encourage constructive communication and cultural exchange
n Raise awareness of the dangers of hate speech and threats to social cohesion
n Strengthen social responsibility in preventing hate speech and discrimination
Article (Three) assigns the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance responsibility for co-ordinating national efforts, proposing educational programmes, raising awareness and recommending legislative and regulatory measures related to tolerance and combating hate speech.
A central feature of the draft law will be the criminalisation of acts deemed harmful to coexistence or tolerance, or those constituting hate speech.
Article (Five) sets out the key penalties:
n Imprisonment of up to two years,
n A fine of up to BD10,000,
n Or both penalties, for any person who, by any means of expression, engages in conduct that undermines coexistence or tolerance or spreads hate speech. Attempting the offence carries the same penalty as committing it.
n If the act leads to another crime, this constitutes an aggravating circumstance, potentially resulting in harsher sentencing under other applicable laws.
Article (Five) extends criminal liability to legal entities, including companies, organisations and institutions.
n A legal entity may be fined no less than BD5,000 and up to BD20,000 if the offence is committed in its name, on its behalf, or for its benefit due to action, approval, neglect or concealment by any board member, manager or authorised official.
Article (Six) clarifies that freedom of opinion and expression may not be invoked to justify statements or actions that undermine coexistence or tolerance or that promote hate speech. The provision aims to balance safeguarding freedoms with protecting society from incitement and division.
The Legislative and Legal Opinion Commission emphasised that the law seeks to establish an integrated legislative structure to reinforce national unity and prevent division and conflict while maintaining a balance between social protection and freedom of expression.
The bill consists of seven articles and an explanatory memorandum.
Once approved by Parliament and the Shura Council, the law will come into effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette, as stipulated in Article (Seven) following ratification by His Majesty King Hamad.
The Deputy Prime Minister has forwarded the memorandum to Parliament, where legislators are expected to begin examining the proposal through the designated committees.
The memorandum says: “The legislation is anticipated to shape national efforts towards reinforcing harmony, preventing hate-driven narratives, and strengthening Bahrain’s legislative tools for preserving social cohesion.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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