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Hate speech

Hate speech is when someone intimidates, mocks, slanders, insults, or threatens an individual or group because of prejudice or hatred that the perpetrator has towards the group.

Hate speech is a complex and difficult issue that is a challenge for modern society.

There is freedom of expression in Iceland. The Constitution of Iceland does allow limiting freedom of expression to protect citizens. Hate speech is punishable under Icelandic law.

Anyone can be subjected to hate speech. The victims are, in most cases, queer people, immigrants, and other marginalized groups.

People use hate speech against others because of their:

  • Country of origin
  • Colour of skin
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Disability
  • Sexual characteristics
  • Sexuality
  • Gender identity
  • Other similar factors

Who uses hate speech?

Hate speech is not an isolated problem that can linked to one group of people. Anyone can express hatred and prejudice towards groups, even if the perpetrator is a member of the group. Groups that are subjected to hate speech can also use hate speech against other marginalized groups.

Where is hate speech found?

Hate speech can be found wherever people are, but is more common in some places than others, such as:

  • Social media and often in dedicated groups where the speech is justified as freedom of expression or just jokes.
  • In the comment systems of news.
  • Wherever people can express themselves anonymously and without accountability.
  • Where other forms of violence are tolerated.
  • In abusive relationships, especially when the victim is of foreign origin.

What can I do if I am the victim of hate speech?

Record the incident

Write down names (both perpetrator and witnesses), time, location, and what was said or done.

If it was in graphic (for example, if a swastika is painted on the wall), take pictures.

If it was on the internet (like a comment or message), take a screenshot.

Get support

Talk to someone you trust about what happened. There is no shame in being a victim of hate speech and the issue needs to be addressed.

Where to turn

If it took place online, then take a screenshot.

If it took place within a school and you are a student, talk to a guidance counsellor, teacher, or other staff member you trust. A guidance counsellor can always refer the matter in the right direction.

If it took place within the workplace, talk to your supervisor or HR manager. Many workplaces have procedures for such incidents.

If it was very serious or you feel you are in danger, talk to the police immediately.

Institutions that victims of hate speech can turn to:

The police

You can always contact the police if you are the victim of hate speech or any other hate crime.

On the police website, you can send messages to the police, book appointments to file charges, and get phone numbers for all districts.

Keep in mind that due to freedom of expression it can be difficult to get a criminal charge. That should not stop anyone from contacting the police. The police will assist according to their ability, and it is often enough for the perpetrator to be talked to by the police to stop the behaviour. It is also good to have an incident registered with the police if the behaviour does not stop.

Bjarkahlíð

Bjarkarhlíð offers support and counselling to people who have experienced any type of violence.

More info

Samtökin '78

You can always turn to Samtökin '78 if the rhetoric was because of you being a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The people there offer counselling for queer people, including those who have experienced violence.

More info

Freedom of expression and hate speech

There are laws against hate speech in Iceland. It is not protected speech. The Constitution of Iceland allows such laws to exist as it states that individuals must be able to answer to their expression in court.

Read more about freedom of expression and Icelandic law.

What are the consequences of hate speech?

Hate speech is violence that can have serious consequences.

  • People who are exposed to hate speech are already marginalized and more vulnerable to attacks than others. Victims may feel that they are not safe in society, which causes isolation, lack of security, fear, anxiety, and depression.
  • Marginalized groups that do not feel safe in society isolate themselves from it. That is a loss for society.
  • The more hate speech is more common, the more "normal" it becomes in the eyes of people. More may start to believe what is being said or start to use the speech as well. Hate speech causes further prejudice and marginalization.
  • The fear of being exposed to hate speech can have the same effect as hate speech itself. It is important that everyone participates in combating hate speech and makes it known that it will not be allowed to exist in this country.

Is hate speech a big problem in Iceland?

Hate speech is a growing problem in Iceland, but most violations are not reported. Hate speech becomes more common during periods where attention is on a marginalized group or an individual from a marginalized group.

It is important to remember that those who use hate speech are a small group. It often appears larger because its members are loud and spend a lot of time commenting.

Discussion of a problem is essential to solving the problem. The debate alone is not part of the problem.

There are many things you can do if you see hate speech or want to combat it.

  • Take a stand against hate speech in public.
  • Be there for survivors.
  • Check if your workplace has clear procedures in place if hate speech becomes a problem.

Read more about ways to tackle hate speech and prejudice.

Reading material and sources