Morcos announces expedited media law amendments
Information Minister Paul Morcos announced that he is working with relevant syndicates, members of the ministry’s team and several MPs on an expedited draft law incorporating additional proposals related to the media law recently approved by Parliament.
Morcos made the announcement during the launch of the Ministry of Information and UNESCO’s national I Hate Hate Speech campaign, aimed at combating hate speech and limiting its spread and impact on individuals and communities.
Speaking at a press conference at the ministry, Morcos said dialogue and partnership with media outlets and journalists were the most effective means of curbing hate speech, particularly on social media.
Social media platforms are not fronts where we fight one another, but means of interaction and communication, he said, stressing the right to express political and other views while respecting others, their privacy, religious symbols and human dignity.
Addressing the new media law, Morcos said the legislation contained specific provisions on combating hate speech for the first time and had been developed over a lengthy process involving UNESCO and relevant stakeholders.
He said several syndicate and media demands had been raised before the law’s adoption but were not incorporated after MPs opted to vote on the text as submitted by the joint parliamentary committees.
We respect Parliament’s will, Morcos said, adding that consultations were now being finalized on a separate expedited draft law that would seek, as far as possible, to incorporate additional proposals submitted by syndicate and media bodies.
UNESCO Regional Office Director in Beirut Paolo Fontani said combating hate speech was central to UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace, dialogue and understanding.
A joint ministry-UNESCO statement said the campaign encourages people to reflect on the words and narratives they consume and share, and to consciously avoid contributing to hate, discrimination or division.
The campaign will also include meetings with young people across Lebanon to promote dialogue, understanding and social cohesion. Lebanese actor Talal El-Jurdi is participating in the initiative, while Phemnomena is handling its creative direction and implementation.
