The partial reform of the Constitutional Law against Hatred, for Peaceful Coexistence and Tolerance, proposes decriminalizing several of its articles and clarifying concepts to prevent improper interpretations or applications of the rule, as reported Deputy Pedro Infante, president of the Special Commission tasked with drafting the proposal.
Infante explained that the commission, formally installed this Monday by appointment of the president of the National Assembly, began reviewing the legal instrument following a reform request submitted by the President of the Republic, Delcy Rodríguez.
Among the points to be reviewed are included Articles 20, 21, and 22, related to decriminalization, as well as definitions needed to more precisely establish the elements required for the law’s correct application.
«It is regrettable that this law has been misapplied in certain specific, isolated cases,» Infante noted, referring to the points raised by President Rodríguez, who also reaffirmed her support for the principles of justice, tolerance, peace, coexistence, democracy, diversity, and plurality enshrined in the instrument.
The parliamentarian indicated that the commission will draft the reform bill and, once approved at that stage, it will be sent to the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice for validation before proceeding with the established process for debate in the National Assembly and subsequent public consultation.
As part of this process, Infante stated that the plan is to involve various sectors of Venezuelan society in the debate, including non-governmental organizations, social movements, political organizations, media outlets, universities, justice system bodies, and individuals affected by acts of violence or hatred.
Infante advanced that there is a consensus within the commission on the need to change the law’s name to give it a focus more closely linked to education, training, and the prevention of acts of violence, hatred, and political intolerance.