Federal
Federal "Hate Crimes" Legislation
The Federal Government has released its draft Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill.
This rushed bill has significant risks to religious freedom.
UPDATE:
On Tuesday 20th, Parliament passed the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism bill. We are very glad to see that the Government removed the most controversial section – the crime of “publicly promoting or inciting racial hatred”.
This proves that your voice is powerful.
In the past week, you have written thousands of letters to MPs across the country, encouraging them to slow down and protect religious freedom.
The faith leaders’ letter to the Prime Minister, was a significant turning point, and was covered by a wide range of news outlets from all parts of the political spectrum, like the ABC, Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, Age, SBS, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, and Financial Review.
By presenting a unified front, you showed that religious freedom is not just a fringe issue, but major faith leaders and regular members were all deeply concerned.
The legislation was released on the January 12, submissions were due on the 15th, and voting is expected on January 22. In this timeframe it is impossible to get careful analysis of the legislation and its possible impacts.
Among the many problems with the bill is a new crime (punishable by 5 years prison) for “publicly promoting or inciting racial hatred”. The definition is so broad and ambiguous that it could capture legitimate debate.
Some Labor, Greens and Independent MPs want the bill to extend beyond race and include religion, gender and sexuality.
If this happens then the legislation would be one of Australia’s worst attacks on religious freedom.
(read more below)
Write NOW to your Federal MP to delay the bill so it can be properly examined and fixed.
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Read the Faith Leader’s letter to the PM
Authorised by Mike Southon, Freedom for Faith, 168 Chalmers St, Surry Hills NSW