On Thursday night, the New South Wales government passed controversial new laws to crack down on hate speech and protest, as part of its attempt to address rising levels of antisemitism.
As a result of the reforms, it is now illegal to display a Nazi symbol on or near a synagogue, protest near a place of worship, make racist remarks in a public space, or hinder someone from entering or leaving a place of worship.
Police also have increased authority to issue move on orders “in or near” places of worship, irregardless of what a protest is targeting. This means members of a faith protesting their own organisation could be criminalised.
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‘The Minns Government’s new criminal offence for inciting hatred is itself divisive because it excludes more groups than it actually protects,” said Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Justice and Equity Centre, Alastair Lawrie.
‘If inciting hatred is to be criminalised, there is no justification for this offence to be so selectively applied, leaving many people who experience public acts of hatred without equivalent protections.’
‘If the Government doesn’t address these gaps, they are sending a message that some types of incitement to hatred and violence are more serious than others.’
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