Parliament Moves to Strengthen Hate Speech Sanctions

Reform Aims for Legal Clarity and Stronger Sanctions

Josep Rull, president of the Parliament of Catalonia, expressed confidence that the chamber will approve a reform to strengthen sanctions against hate speech before Christmas. The proposed change, registered by PSC, Junts, ERC, Comuns and CUP, seeks to incorporate parts of the parliamentary Code of Conduct into the official standing orders, giving it legal standing and greater legal security. According to Rull, the reform follows the model used by the European Parliament, embedding elements of the Code of Conduct directly into the standing orders to ensure enforceability. The current Code of Conduct requires deputies to maintain respectful behaviour and avoid discrimination, as outlined in Article 7 of the document.

Fines and Disciplinary Measures for MPs

The revised rules would allow for disciplinary action ranging from public reprimands to fines of up to €12,000, depending on the severity of the offence. Under the proposal, minor infractions would result in a public warning, while serious violations, such as incitement to hatred, threats or accepting gifts over €600, could trigger fines between €6,001 and €12,000. The Committee on the Status of Deputies would be responsible for investigating alleged breaches and issuing reports. In one recent case, the committee issued public reprimands to MP Sílvia Orriols of Catalan Alliance and Vox spokesperson Joan Garriga for minor breaches of conduct.

We must be capable of maintaining cohesion in the face of those who seek a polarised society based on targeting and hatred,

said Rull, who cited the need for a strong institutional response to rising tensions, including recent protests in Ceuta and incidents in Terrassa marked by aggressive rhetoric.

Preparing for the New Parliamentary Year

The reform was discussed during a strategic working meeting of the Bureau of the Parliament held at the Jaume I hostel in L'Espluga de Francolí. The meeting, described by Rull as informal but substantive, also addressed administrative restructuring due to upcoming retirements and the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence in legislative processes. Rull confirmed he will attend the 11 September pro-independence demonstration organised by ANC and Òmnium. This year’s National Day events will begin with a flag-raising ceremony at the Parliament, attended by Generalitat President Salvador Illa, Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni, consular representatives and civil society groups. The ceremony will highlight the millennium of the Peace and Truce Assemblies, considered foundational to Catalan parliamentary tradition. Actor Lluís Soler will perform a text by Jaume Coll, portraying Abbot Oliva, to underscore the historical commitment to peace, a theme linked to Pau Casals’ 1971 speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

Reported by elperiodico.com, en.ara.cat, Marta Puig i Vidal, Parlament de Catalunya, infobae.com, rtve.es, elpais.com, parlament.cat, terminologiajuridica.cat, reusdigital.cat.