The amendments were supported by 91 deputies, two abstained and ten voted against.
The amendment by the Committee on Human Rights defines hate crime as any criminal act committed against another person because of his or her race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion and other characteristics.
The amendments introduce harsher penalties for pedophiles, drug dealers and loan-sharks. Defamation and slander are no longer punishable with imprisonment, but entail fines.
The Penal Code now also includes a government-sponsored amendment under which defamation will be punished with a fine amounting to 100 daily incomes, and defamation through the press, radio, television or in a pubic gathering with a fine of up to 150 daily incomes.
Slander no longer entails prison sentences of six and 12 months if stated for or carried by the media, but now entails a fine.
Speaking about private or family affairs that can harm a person's reputation and honour will no longer be punished with imprisonment, but with fines.
If fines are not paid on time, a court will authorise the tax authorities to carry out forced collection. In case forced collection cannot be carried out, the fine can be replaced with community service.