Hate speech is the expression of prejudice or hatred towards groups of persons by reasons such as gender, race, nationality, religion, beliefs, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Prejudice refers to preconceived opinions that may not necessarily be based on actual experience.

Hate speech can have serious consequences for individuals, groups, and society as a whole. Those who experience hate speech may feel fear, degradation, intimidation, anxiety, anger, isolation, insecurity, and depression. The fear can also extend to their loved ones and the community or society that aligns with them. Hate speech reinforces injustice in society and increases the risk that those who witness it may condone or participate in violence against a particular group of people. If hate speech persists, it creates fertile ground for prejudice, perpetuating exclusion, marginalization, and degradation.

In a good and healthy democratic society, diverse voices need to be heard. However, hate speech can have a chilling effect on community participation and involvement in public discourse, thus harming democracy as people may withdraw and isolate themselves against their will. This, in turn, leads the society to miss important perspectives, making the discussion more homogeneous.