The government will need to rely on the crossbench to pass proposed legislation, with the opposition concerned those claiming a political stance will be able to circumvent the laws.
A new bill will see anti-vilification legislation expanded to include LGBTQIA+ people and people with a disability, should it pass.The government plans to expand hate speech laws in Victoria to encompass the LGBTQIA+ community and people with a disability.
The threshold for police to bring criminal charges will also be significantly lowered amid criticism the current scheme is toothless, with just a handful of convictions over the past two decades.ABC News: James DeanThe ABC understands the opposition, and some religious groups, are concerned with a "genuine political purpose" defence that can been used when defending charges of incitement.
Shadow Attorney-General Michael O'Brien said the Coalition's position would be revealed after MPs met on Tuesday. "Let's make it very clear that can you be who you want to be, love who you want to love, and should not be vilified for that."Religious groups are set to meet with the government to discuss concerns about some parts of the bill this week. New civil claims for hate speech, outlined in the laws, will not come into effect until 2027. Some groups want that date bought forward.
Discrimination Antisemitism Islamophobia Lgbtqia+ Legislation Anti-Vilification
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Elon Musk's International Controversies Raise ConcernsElon Musk, a prominent figure in technology and business, has recently sparked international controversy with his outspoken views and political endorsements. He has criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, questioned Nigel Farage's leadership, and expressed support for far-right figures in Germany and the UK. Musk's actions have drawn criticism from world leaders and sparked debate about the influence of social media and billionaires in politics.
Read more »
Prison Drone Incursions Raise National Security ConcernsThe UK's Prison Service is facing increasing challenges from drone use and criminal gang influence within its facilities. The chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, raised alarms about the loss of airspace control above two category A jails, while Prisons Minister James Timpson acknowledged the threat posed by drones and the need to address the corruption of some prison officers by gangs.
Read more »
BBC apologises to staff who ‘felt unable to raise’ Russell Brand concernsA number of people believed comedian ‘would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent’, review finds
Read more »
Labor Delays Gambling Reform, Housing Focus, and Deepfakes Raise ConcernsThis news report covers various political developments in Australia. It delves into Labor's postponement of gambling advertisement reform, the Coalition's housing plans, and the Australian Defence Force's recruitment struggles. Additionally, it touches upon the debate regarding funding for Welcome to Country ceremonies and the rising threat of AI-generated deepfakes. Finally, it reports on the escalating antisemitism experienced by the Jewish community in Sydney.
Read more »
Microplastics Found in Human Brains, Raise Concerns About Neurological ImpactA new study reveals a disturbing trend: increasing microplastic contamination in human brains over the past 50 years. Researchers found rising levels of micro- and nanoplastics in brain tissue samples from postmortems, with concentrations six times higher in individuals with dementia. While a direct causal link isn't established, the study highlights the urgent need to investigate the potential health effects of microplastics.
Read more »
Victorian Government Invests in Startup Set to Transform Electric Vehicle MotorsThe Victorian Government is supporting Kite Magnetics, a startup developing revolutionary electric vehicle motor technology, with a new manufacturing facility.
Read more »