Australians could face up to 15 years imprisonment for comments deemed offensive by the government. The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill introduced this month establishes federal offenses for “publicly promoting or inciting hatred.” Speech, writing, or “other forms of public gestures” will be monitored and controlled.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the prop “I encourage you to read the Old Testament and see what’s there and see if you outlaw that, what would occur,” he said. “I encourage you to read the Old Testament and see what’s there and see if you outlaw that, what would occur,” he said. “So we need to be careful — we consulted with faith groups, not just with the Jewish community. We want to make sure there’s the broadest possible support for this legislation but we also want to make sure that there isn’t unintended consequences of the legislation.”
“Unintended consequences” come down to losing voters, but for citizens, their freedom is at risk at every turn. The Old Testament example is quite interesting as that would chalk up Judaism and Christianity to “hate speech” for questioning the LGBTQ community.
The law will also further prevent the public from accessing firearms. Intelligence agencies will have the ability to reconsider gun licenses. “The terrorists at Bondi Beach had hatred in their minds but guns in their hands. This law will deal with both, and we need to deal with both,” the prime minister said.
Courts will look at three items to identify criminal hate speech: public incitement, superiority claims, and serious vilification. The Reasonable Person Test is the official standard courts use, which broadly allows anything to be taken out of context. In fact, Australian legislators believe that NO VICTIM IS REQUIRED! Prosecutors do not need to prove that anyone was harmed or felt intimidated. Context will be considered over intent. The government will now have full range to claim that any “reasonable person” of a certain group would feel intimidated or harassed by direct or indirect comments.
“Let me be clear – once these laws are passed, they will be the toughest hate laws Australia has ever seen,” Michelle Rowland, Attorney General, said. “They will specifically target those who seek to spread hatred and disrupt social cohesion in our community. And it will send a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.”
The government has full control over speech. Religious leaders, especially Christians who are unprotected, are especially vulnerable to this new law. They may quote religious scripture only for teaching or discussion, but any additional commentary or sermons could result in federal prosecution.
The Minister for Home Affairs can cancel or refuse visas to anyone deemed a “risk of harm” for promoting hate speech. Social media platforms will be scanned and monitored by the government. Anyone involved in a “hate group” will face 15 years imprisonment, and anything deemed “offensive to a reasonable person” will be considered a hate group. Will Australia ban religion next? Will political opponents be considered “hate groups?” Can people freely speak out against open borders or other policies that they disagree with?
If you say or type anything deemed offensive, the government will charge you with “racial vilification” and throw you in prison for five years. Australia showed the extent of its authoritarian brutality during the COVID crisis when it prohibited citizens and journalists alike from questioning the narrative. The government is providing itself with legal grounds to round up the disobedient who will serve as an example to others. Self-censor, obey, comply—the path toward the new world order will be treacherous.