Free Speech & Expression Protections
We, the undersigned of the Irish nation, hereby petition the Government to hold an ‘ordinary’ national referendum—in accordance with the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution— to strengthen and clarify protections for freedom of expression.
We propose the following provisions be placed before the Irish people:
- Constitutional Protection of Free Expression:
The right to free speech, without limits—including political, religious, cultural, and dissenting views—shall be explicitly protected in the Constitution.
- Narrow Limits on Speech Laws:
No law shall restrict speech based on content, opinion, or perceived offensiveness, unless it constitutes direct and intentional incitement to violence or crime, as precisely defined by law.
- Ban on State or Corporate Censorship:
The State shall not aid or pressure private entities, nor cooperate with foreign bodies, to restrict lawful speech or penalise individuals for exercising their right to free expression.
- Protection from Employment Discrimination:
No person shall lose their right to employment or professional opportunities because of their lawful views or expressions.
This petition is grounded in Article 6 of Bunreacht na hÉireann, which declares:
"All powers of government… derive, under God, from the people… whose right it is, in final appeal, to decide all questions of national policy."
