Pop Japan

Some people who use hate speech such as racial, nationality slurs and languages pointing to racial discriminations may soon find themselves at legal trouble. Soon there may be a law that could fine violators up to 500, 000 yen or 4, 640 USD. Back to 2016, there was a law already in passed Japanese diet (parliament) that outlaws hate speech but it didn't include a punishment. The new proposed law will bring fines to offenders who make hate speech in public places such as malls, streets and parks.

Once passed, the law will use three levels of legal response. First, a word of caution or warning from the police, second, a cease and desist order and third a fine up to 500, 000 yen. It seems repeat offenders will face an expensive fine. Hate speech is defined as threatening speech expressing prejudice against a person's country of origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex, mental and physical disability. Uncontrolled hate speech can lead to discrimination and even crimes. The city council of Kawasaki will vote on the law by next month (December 2019), If the law passed, that would be the first anti-hate law with criminal charges in Japan.

Tags: hate speech, japan, kawasaki, laws, legislation