UPDATE: National LGBTIQA+ advocacy group Equality Australia is demanding immediate action from the Albanese Government to revise hate speech laws and ensure all vulnerable communities are protected. This urgent plea comes in the wake of significant backlash from various advocacy organizations who assert that the current bill, known as the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill, fails to safeguard critical groups.
This call for action follows the Bondi Beach attack that has heightened concerns over safety, prompting the government to recall parliament early to address this pressing issue. However, both The Greens and the Coalition oppose the proposed legislation, creating major hurdles for the government.
Liberal leader Sussan Ley has labeled the bill “unsalvageable,” criticizing the government for its rushed approach despite previously advocating for swift legislative action. Meanwhile, Greens senator David Shoebridge emphasizes the bill’s inadequacies, stating it must encompass all forms of hate, particularly those based on sexuality, gender, and religion.
Heather Corkhill, Legal Director of Equality Australia, asserts that parliament has a unique opportunity to enact comprehensive protections for LGBTIQA+ individuals, minority faith communities, and people with disabilities. “Given the well-established link between hate speech and violence, leaving any group unprotected implies their safety matters less and that violence against them is tolerated,” Corkhill stated.
Corkhill warns that “creating a hierarchy of protections fractures social cohesion,” urging lawmakers to act decisively. “The Bondi attack demands an urgent response, but this bill must do more: it must protect all Australians from future acts of violence,” she added. She believes straightforward amendments could allow parliament to pass a more inclusive bill as early as next week.
Echoing concerns from the Greens, Corkhill highlights the need to balance freedom of speech with necessary protections. “While the balance is challenging, we can get this bill right with targeted amendments. Strong safeguards, including demonstrating intent and a robust public interest speech defense, are crucial,” she explained.
Corkhill warns that any delay in this process exacerbates societal divisions and diminishes the likelihood of meaningful protections against hate. “LGBTIQ+ people are facing alarming, deliberate attacks, and we need protections now, not years down the track,” she emphasized.
As public and political pressure mounts, all eyes are on the Albanese Government to respond promptly to these demands for change. The urgency for comprehensive hate speech laws that protect all Australians is clearer than ever.
