Homophobic hate speech on social media

By Thomas Vink, 21st August 2023

Campaign Against Homophobia are supporting two LGBTQI+ activists in litigation up to the European Court of Human Rights to challenge the lack of practical tools to fight against the excessive length and lack of regulation in online hate speech cases, focusing specifically on the queer community in Poland.

The litigation responds to misconduct by the prosecutor’s office in failing to respond to a complaint made against Facebook for homophobic comments made on the platform against the two activists.

The aim is that the courts oblige to undertake measures in order to increase the level of protection from hate speech, especially to amend the Criminal Code and include regulation on hate speech based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Homophobic hate speech on social media

Organisation Name

Campaign Against Homophobia

Country/Jurisdiction

Poland

Amount Granted

EUR 18,972

Current Status

Ongoing

Grant type

Litigation Track Support

Description

Campaign Against Homophobia are supporting two LGBTQI+ activists in litigation up to the European Court of Human Rights to challenge the lack of practical tools to fight against the excessive length and lack of regulation in online hate speech cases, focusing specifically on the queer community in Poland.

The litigation responds to misconduct by the prosecutor’s office in failing to respond to a complaint made against Facebook for homophobic comments made on the platform against the two activists.

The aim is that the courts are obliged to undertake measures in order to increase the level of protection from hate speech, especially to amend the Criminal Code and include regulation on hate speech based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

"The litigation responds to misconduct by the prosecutor’s office in failing to respond to a complaint made against Facebook for homophobic comments made on the platform"

Strategic Goal

Increase awareness about hate speech against the LGBTQI+ community and help more victims of hate speech against LGBTQI+ come forward to report, and reports are more effectively investigated and punished by the authorities.

Media and related links

Organisation Name

Women’s Link Worldwide

Image credit: Photo by Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels