“Hate speech” is a topic frequently raised by the December 13 coalition. The Association of Polish Journalists (SDP) is responding to the efforts of politicians from this political camp. According to SDP, the proposed amendment to the Penal Code in this regard “could serve as a tool for censoring public debate.” We have obtained the full text of SDP’s letter to President Andrzej Duda.
Is This About… Censorship?
Over the past 18 months in power, the December 13 coalition has repeatedly demonstrated its intent to restrict freedom of speech in a democratic country. In this context, leading politicians from Donald Tusk’s team have also spoken about… revoking the Republic’s broadcasting license.
The Association of Polish Journalists has highlighted the latest vote in the Polish Senate.
On March 26, the Senate passed an amendment to the Penal Code, which, under the guise of combating so-called “hate speech,” could actually serve to censor public debate. In response, SDP’s Main Board is calling on President Andrzej Duda to veto the bill.
Letter to President Duda
The full text of the letter addressed to the Polish head of state has also been published. Here it is:
Dear Mr. President,
On March 6, 2025, the Polish Parliament Sejm passed a government-sponsored bill amending the Penal Code, which includes provisions criminalizing so-called “hate speech.” On March 26, the Senate approved these provisions without amendments, and the revised law now awaits your final decision.
In SDP’s view, this is one of the most dangerous attacks on freedom of speech in our country’s modern history. Under the pretext of fighting discrimination, this law introduces regulations that could be used to censor public debate in Poland, punish individuals for expressing their beliefs, and ultimately marginalize even large social groups, such as Catholics.
The Ministry of Justice, which drafted the amendment, stated in its justification that the change would “ensure fuller implementation of the constitutional ban on discrimination for any reason, as well as compliance with international recommendations on standards for protection against hate speech and hate crimes.”
However, in the name of “equality” and “tolerance,” the adopted law expands the list of so-called “protected characteristics” to include, among others, sexual orientation and so-called gender identity. In practice, this means that anyone who refers to marriage as a union between a man and a woman could be accused of “hate speech” and face up to three years in prison. Likewise, a parent opposing school-based sex education aligned with gender ideology could be deemed as promoting “discrimination.”
These new regulations pose a particular threat to the freedom of expression of individuals whose professions require them to speak publicly. This includes journalists, social activists, academics, teachers, politicians, and clergy. Of course, this law also infringes on the freedom of speech of ordinary citizens.
For journalists and media creators, this law is especially dangerous due to the so-called chilling effect. We witness daily how public debate on a given topic can be effectively stifled when participants are threatened with lawsuits, prison sentences, or fines—precisely what this law would enable. The criminalization of so-called “hate speech” in Western countries has already led to restrictions on discussions about issues such as gender, marriage, family, and education. This has resulted in absurd and even irrational situations, such as bans on using gendered pronouns in public spaces (e.g., at universities), criminal charges against individuals praying outside abortion clinics, or persecution of those who support traditional marriage and family values.
For these reasons, on behalf of the Association of Polish Journalists, we urge you, Mr. President, to veto this censorship law.
The letter was signed by the SDP Board:
Jolanta Hajdasz, President of SDP; Wanda Nadobnik, Vice President of SDP; Mariusz Pilis, Vice President of SDP; Aleksandra Tabaczyńska, Treasurer of SDP; Hubert Bekrycht, Secretary General of SDP; Maria Giedz, Board Member of SDP; Paweł Gąsiorski, Board Member of SDP; Krzysztof Gurba, Board Member of SDP; Michał Karnowski, Board Member of SDP; Andrzej Klimczak, Board Member of SDP; Anna Popek, Board Member of SDP; Krzysztof Skowroński, Board Member of SDP; Janusz Życzkowski, Board Member of SDP.