Creation of a parliamentary study commission
Recently, several Catalan political groups, including the PSC, United to advance, Together, Esquerra Republicana, Comuns and the CUP, have joined forces to present a proposal that seeks to establish a study commission dedicated to research and combat fascism, racism and hate speech. This initiative, registered in the Parliament of Catalonia, aims to analyze and elaborate a national pact that addresses these issues seriously.
Objectives and functions of the commission
The main purpose of this Commission is to collect data and evidence of the proliferation of speeches that violate human rights and peaceful coexistence. Through qualitative and quantitative research, the Commission hopes to identify the origin of these manifestations, as well as the channels and groups that promote them.
A year of analysis and conclusions
The commission is expected to last one year, a period during which conclusions are expected to be exhaustive, partial or sectoral. This final report will be sent to other Parliament commissions, especially to the Equality and Feminism Commission, in order to ensure that the resulting proposals are integrated in a broader context.
Hate Discourses: a permanent challenge
Since the arrival of Josep Rull to the presidency of Parliament, the question of how to manage hate speeches has been a hot topic. Rull has chosen not to interrupt the interventions of parties such as Vox and Catalan Alliance, in order to prevent them from being presented as victims of censorship. This strategy has led to an intense debate about the best way to address speeches that may be detrimental to society.
International comparisons
The Bureau of Parliament has sought examples of how other institutions, such as the Baden-Württemberg Parliament in Germany, have dealt with this problem. There, speeches have been allowed to come to their conclusion before analyzing them, a method that could be considered by Catalonia in its own context.
Dialogue and regulation
The current situation has led the Bureau to collaborate with human rights experts, such as the former Vice President of the European Court of Human Rights, Josep Casadevall, to explore ways of managing hate speeches without violating freedom of expression. This collaboration could lead to the creation of a legal framework that properly regulates these issues.
Final reflection
With this new commission, Catalonia seeks not only to cope with the increase in fascism and racism, but also to foster a more respectful and equal environment. The task will not be easy, but the parliamentary groups’ commitment indicates a clear desire to defend democratic values and human rights in society.
