The government of New South Wales, Australia, is moving to implement strict new legislation targeting what it describes as ‘hate speech.’ Premier Chris Minns announced that the proposed laws would specifically prohibit the display of flags associated with Hamas, Hezbollah, and ISIS, as well as any symbols deemed to represent hate.
Minns stated that the New South Wales Parliament is scheduled to convene next Monday to debate and consider the new legislative measures. The state’s Attorney General, Michael Daley, further elaborated on the initiative during a press conference in Sydney. Daley asserted that the display of such symbols could only be construed as the act of someone ‘mentally disturbed or with the intention to offend, intimidate, and terrorize.’
This move follows a pledge from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to tighten penalties against extremism and to crack down on ‘hate, division, and extremism’ in the wake of a deadly mass shooting on Bondi Beach in Sydney. The Bondi shooting is currently being investigated as a terror act targeting the Jewish community.
In related news, Australian police have confirmed the arrest of seven individuals allegedly holding ‘extreme Islamic ideology.’ According to police, the individuals were apprehended en route from Melbourne to Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Prime Minister Albanese also affirmed the resilience of the Jewish community in Australia, stating that their determination ‘cannot be broken.’ He made these remarks after attending a memorial service at a synagogue in Sydney for the victims of the Bondi shooting, which targeted a celebration of Hanukkah. Albanese emphasized that ‘every Australian Jew has the right to be proud of their identity and their beliefs, as well as to feel safe, valued, and respected for their contribution to our great nation.’
Albanese indicated that the proposed ‘hate speech’ laws would penalize preachers and leaders who incite hatred and violence. Australia will also establish a system for classifying organizations led by individuals who disseminate hate speech. Furthermore, the government intends to bolster the authority of the Minister for Home Affairs to revoke or deny visas to individuals who promote ‘hate and division.’
Authorities have increased security patrols in response to the Bondi attack, which is considered the worst such incident in Australia in nearly 30 years.
