Anti-hate crime laws already on the books in Bahrain need to be better enforced, according to a group of prominent MPs.

The legislators were responding to Shura Council member Darwish Al Mannai, who recently called for a new law banning hate crimes, discrimination and contempt of religions, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

His plea to His Majesty King Hamad came in the wake of a groundbreaking new decree from the UAE, which prohibits any form of discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin.

However, Bahrain already has ‘strong laws in place which are unfortunately not being implemented,’ according to MP Ahmed Qarrata.

“Of course, we can have a new law created through a decree if it is urgent, but unless we strictly implement those already in place, it is of no use,” he told the GDN.

“Existing laws such as those dealing with discrimination remained shelved and are not implemented on the ground – especially in the case of hate speech by religious clerics

“Authorities must apply the law strictly against anyone who shows any kind of discrimination, especially given the current situation the region is in.”

MP Hamed Al Dossary pointed out that Bahrain’s constitution was “clear on anti-discrimination, be it by class, creed, sect or religion”.

“If people are violating the law, then that is because it is not being applied rigorously enough,” he said.

“People have the right to freedom of religion and opinion, and anyone inciting statements against this must be held accountable.

“Islam is a religion of unity that does not support or promote sectarianism.”

However, Al Dossary did welcome the prospect of a decree to further promote tolerance given “the current threat of extremism in the region”.

Meanwhile, Al Mannai repeated his calls for a new law to be passed when contacted by the GDN.

“The decree could be ratified once both parliament and the Shura Council resume in October,” he said.

“It will ensure that hate speech and discriminatory comments are curbed and is vital in promoting unity.

Al Mannai, who is a member of Shura’s human rights and financial and economic affairs committees, said Bahrain was “known for its social, cultural and religious tolerance”.

“Such a law will add value to our country’s image,” he said.  

“Most importantly we, citizens and residents, should not close our eyes to the existing situation in the country and the region.

“We need to be alert and must keep our eyes open to anything that will help to protect our society from terror and other such threats.

“We should stand in unity with our security services to ensure this.”

Yesterday, the GDN reported on Bahrain Jurists Society board member Islam Gunaim’s comments that the current laws which govern anti-discriminatory practices in Bahrain need to be “developed and combined with enforcement mechanisms on the ground”.

Under the current law, anyone convicted of any form of discrimination is subject to a maximum of two years in jail and a fine of up to BD200 ($526). - TradeArabia News Service