Coalition Considering Support for Hate Speech Laws Targeting Anti-Semitism

May 28, 2024 TruthUSA

The Labor Party is currently working on legislation to address vilification based on race, sexuality, gender, disability, or religion. The Coalition, on the other hand, is particularly interested in addressing anti-Semitism.

The Liberal National Party Coalition has indicated potential support for “hate speech” laws to combat anti-Semitism within the community. This stance comes after the Labor Party announced their efforts to penalize individuals engaging in vilification based on various factors.

Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan stated that the Coalition is willing to collaborate with the government on hate speech laws specifically targeting anti-Semitism. He expressed optimism in working together to address this critical issue that is unfortunately on the rise in the country.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton previously called for stronger hate speech laws to address anti-Semitism, aiming to support the Jewish community. This initiative was proposed back in January.

Attorney General Mark Dreyfus is in charge of formulating the new legislation and is currently in the process of finalizing the specifics, as communicated by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.

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According to Ms. Rowland, the potential penalties are currently being discussed as the final details of the laws are being ironed out. However, she could not confirm if imprisonment is included as part of the punishments.

“At this moment, I cannot disclose that information since it is currently under discussion, but I can assure you that the issue of penalties is being scrutinized closely to ensure the effectiveness of these laws,” said Ms. Rowland in an interview with Sky News.

The minister emphasized that the government will not tolerate any form of “hatred or abuse” based on a person’s race or religion.

Discussions surrounding hate speech laws have intensified following an alarming incident where the words “Jew die” were spray-painted on the fence of Melbourne’s primary Jewish school, Mount Scopus Memorial College.

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) has urged the government to take more significant action in response to the distressing event. President Philip Zajac expressed the community’s devastation and shock over the death threat displayed on the school’s premises, emphasizing the need to address and prevent such behavior.

Mr. Zajac raised concerns that the JCCV had been cautioning authorities about the normalization of anti-Semitic hate in Australia for months but felt unheard until this critical moment. He strongly condemned the graffiti as a direct threat to Victorian children based on their faith and culture, calling for immediate action to combat this spreading hate.

Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson denounced the graffiti attack on Australia’s largest Jewish school as “sickening,” highlighting the urgent need to halt the escalating wave of anti-Semitic hatred and incitement in society.

Minister Concerned With Both Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia:

Meanwhile, Labor Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy expressed concerns about the rising levels of both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. He highlighted the need for unity and moderation in language to mitigate hateful rhetoric and actions.

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing extreme polarizations in the current discourse, with the situation in Gaza being exploited to promote hate speech. It is crucial for our communities, whether Jewish or Islamic, to be shielded from such outrageous attacks, and we call for national solidarity and responsible language use,” Mr. Conroy commented on 2HD.

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