Australia has passed new laws criminalizing terrorism offences and the display of terror symbols, including mandatory minimum prison sentences. While welcomed by Israel, the legislation has drawn criticism from advocates who warn it could disproportionately harm marginalized Australians.
Israel has welcomed new Australian laws that will jail people found guilty of some terrorism offences or displaying terror symbols, but some advocates have warned they could disproportionately hurt marginalised Australians. The legislation, which cleared the Senate on Thursday, will create offences for threatening force of violence against particular groups, including on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or political opinion.
advocacy group Equality Australia also criticised the mandatory minimums and called the legislation a "missed opportunity" to stamp out all forms of hate speech, as it does not include serious vilification. "Outlawing incitement to violence while ignoring the toxic rhetoric and harassment that leads to it is simply putting a Band-Aid on a much bigger wound," chief executive Anna Brown said.
Law TERRORISM HATE CRIMES AUSTRALIA LEGISLATION MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES
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