This article was originally published by Equality Australia. You can find the original article here.
February 4, 2025 – National LGBTIQ+ group Equality Australia is calling on the Federal Government to strengthen its Hates Crimes Bill, saying it needs to include serious vilification to be effective.
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown welcomed the inclusion of the LGBTIQ+ community in the current draft of the bill in addition to criminal penalties for inciting violence.
However, she said its scope must be expanded so the most insidious and harmful forms of hate speech are captured including against ‘associates’ such as librarians and councillors.
“These laws are welcome but they will only prevent the spread of hate if they stop it at its source,” she said.
“We have seen all too clearly how hate speech leads to appalling acts of violence in the real world.
“While freedom of expression must be protected it is also vital that we stamp out the vile hate mongering that encourages and enables vicious attacks on minorities and other vulnerable groups.”
Ms Brown said the LGBTIQ+ community had seen escalating attacks in recent years.
“We have seen a shocking number of violent and deliberately targeted attacks against LGBTIQ+ people, and it is clear they are motivated by a specific form of hatred.
“These noisy fringe groups are getting louder and bolder, and we are seeing bashings, online harassment and attacks on libraries and councils, as well as queer venues and events.
“The threats to our community are real and severe and the need for greater protections from hate and vilification has never been more urgent.
“Unfortunately, the current Bill falls short of the commitment the Attorney-General made last March to new laws that would capture serious instances of vilification as well as other forms of hate.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity for our political leaders to send a clear message that Australia is not a country of division and hate.”
Media contact: Tara Ravens, [email protected], 0408898 154
Emily Mulligan, [email protected], 0411 207 633
