Dublin Pride Speaker Calls for Hate Crime Laws During Dublin Pride, Natasha O’Brien, a victim of assault by a serving Irish soldier, urged the government to prioritize the passage of hate crime legislation. O’Brien’s case garnered national attention after the soldier who attacked her avoided imprisonment. Cathal Crotty received a three-year suspended sentence, despite pleading guilty to assaulting O’Brien in 2022. O’Brien intervened to stop homophobic abuse in Limerick city, leading to her own victimization. Ireland’s planned hate crime laws are currently stalled due to political disputes over the wording. The proposed legislation aims to make “hatred” an aggravating factor in certain crimes. Taoiseach Simon Harris has pledged to pass an amended version of the bill before the next election. In her Pride speech, O’Brien emphasized the need for legal changes. She asked the crowd, “Do I look like someone who will tolerate hate crimes, violence, and injustice?” She continued, “Together we are an entire army that shouts for what we all deserve as human beings. Make hate crime laws now.” O’Brien’s call for accountability and protection for victims of hate crimes resonates with advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.