UPDATE: In a shocking development, the Australian Government has failed to pass new racial vilification laws, leaving controversial figure Wissam Haddad free from prosecution. Jewish leaders had hoped the legislation would target Haddad, who has a history of inciting hatred against Jews.
The proposed law sought to criminalize incitement of violence or hatred, carrying a potential penalty of ten years in prison for religious leaders. However, the Coalition’s refusal to support the bill, citing free speech concerns, means Haddad remains unencumbered by federal legal repercussions.
On October 25, 2023, during a Senate session, Fatima Payman, a senator from Western Australia and an immigrant from an Afghan family, proposed an amendment to protect Haddad under existing hate speech laws. The amendment aimed to differentiate between political criticism of Israel and anti-Jewish sentiment, but it was defeated, signaling a significant political divide.
Peter Wertheim, a prominent Jewish leader, expressed disappointment at the failure to pass the law, stating, “I think there is a good chance he would have been convicted.” Wertheim had previously sued Haddad in 2024, highlighting the dangers of his rhetoric.
With the defeat of the racial vilification law, the Senate turned its focus to banning the extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir. Tensions rose as several Nationals senators opposed the watered-down version of the law they had initially agreed upon, leading to accusations of misinformation influencing their decision.
As the political landscape evolves, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the reintroduction of the racial vilification law is now a matter for the Coalition, as Labor does not control the Senate. This leaves Haddad’s ability to criticize Jews under federal law intact for the foreseeable future.
In a move that reflects his controversial stance, Haddad took to Instagram to announce the shutdown of his long-standing account, which had over 10,000 followers. He is starting anew with a fresh account, branding himself as “Muslim unapologetic.”
This developing situation raises urgent questions about the future of hate speech legislation in Australia and its implications for community safety and cohesion. As tensions around this issue continue to simmer, the broader impact on Jewish communities and political discourse remains to be seen.
Readers are urged to stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
