# Venezuela Hate Law reform faces rejection > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-law-against-hatred-reform-process > Updated: 2026-10-20T18:30:09.000Z. Sources: 39. Developments: 5. The legislative reform process for Venezuela’s ‘Constitutional Law Against Hate for Peaceful Coexistence and Tolerance’ has encountered significant opposition from civil society. While the National Assembly’s proposed changes aim to replace prison sentences of 10 to 20 years with heavy administrative fines, critics argue the reform is merely a ‘mutation of punishment.’ The proposed fines, calculated in bolívares at rates between 500 and 10,000 times the exchange rate of the Central Bank of Venezuela’s highest-valued currency, have been condemned by the National Association of Journalists (CNP), Acceso a la Justicia, and Foro Penal. These organizations warn that the new measures could lead to ‘economic asphyxiation’ and self-censorship, as the Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace would retain the authority to determine fine amounts based on factors like intent and reach. Human rights groups and organizations such as Espacio Público maintain that the law continues to provide mechanisms for criminalizing political opposition, activists, and journalists. This follows previous reports from Foro Penal noting that at least 927 people have been charged under the statute since its 2017 implementation. ## Claims - Delcy Rodríguez requested a partial reform of the Anti-Hate Law to decriminalize certain behaviors. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The reform process will include consultations with NGOs, universities, media, and victims. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The special commission to reform the Anti-Hate Law is composed of 11 deputies. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The reform project must be validated by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice before being debated in Parliament. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Diosdado Cabello defended the law, stating it was a necessity to contain political opposition unrest. (corroborated by 3 sources) - 118 minors were charged under the Anti-Hate Law between 2024 and 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Fines will range from 500 to 10,000 times the exchange rate of the highest-valued currency set by the BCV. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Since the law's inception in 2017, 927 people have been charged under it. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The National Association of Journalists (CNP) rejects the Hate Law reform. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The reform proposes replacing 10 to 20 year prison sentences with fines. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Espacio Público claims the reform maintains censorship despite removing jail time. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-20: Venezuela: Journalists and NGOs reject Hate Law reform Venezuelan journalists and NGOs reject a reform of the Hate Law, stating that replacing prison sentences with massive fines merely reconfigures the persecution of dissent and freedom of expression. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-proposes-reform-to-hate-law-amid-human-rights-concerns ### 2026-10-15: Tomás Guanipa proposes repeal of Venezuela's Law Against Hate Deputy Tomás Guanipa submitted a bill to Venezuela's National Assembly to repeal the Law Against Hate, calling it a tool for political persecution and demanding judicial accountability. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/toms-guanipa-proposes-repeal-of-venezuelas-law-against-hate ### 2026-10-09: Venezuela: Cecodap reports 118 adolescents charged under Hate Law Cecodap reports that at least 118 Venezuelan adolescents have been charged under the Law Against Hate following the 2024 elections, citing arbitrary detentions and violations of judicial guarantees. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-cecodap-reports-118-adolescents-charged-under-hate-law ### 2026-10-05: Venezuela National Assembly installs commission to reform Anti-Hate Law Venezuela's National Assembly has formed a special commission to partially reform the controversial Anti-Hate Law, aiming to decriminalize certain conducts and address reports of political persecution. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelas-national-assembly-forms-commission-to-reform-law-against-hate ### 2026-09-30: Venezuela Law Against Hatred: 927 people charged since 2017 Venezuela's Foro Penal reports 927 people charged under the 2017 Law Against Hatred. While Acting President Delcy Rodríguez seeks a partial reform, critics demand the law's total repeal. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-faces-calls-to-reform-hate-speech-law-after-900-accusations --- Cite as: Venezuela Hate Law reform faces rejection. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-law-against-hatred-reform-process