“Ngôn Từ Thù Hận Không Thuộc Về Quyền Tự Do Ngôn Luận”

Archbishop Christophe Z. El-Kassis stated that hate speech does not fall under the right to freedom of speech during his first speech as the new observer of the Holy See at the United Nations. Speaking at a global conference in New York on September 17, the archbishop addressed the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance to combat hate speech.

Archbishop El-Kassis argued that hate speech poisons public discussions, increases division, and often leads to violence and persecution. He noted that any speech targeting individuals or communities based on religion, race, nationality, or other characteristics contradicts the commandment to love one's neighbor.

The archbishop reaffirmed the Holy See's position that every person possesses an inviolable dignity because they are created in the image of God. He stated that this dignity cannot be diminished by any hateful ideology or expression. He added that rejecting intolerance, discrimination, and hate speech is a moral necessity to protect the human family and maintain the conditions required for peaceful coexistence.

Archbishop El-Kassis presented his credentials to António Guterres on September 16.