New legislation aimed at combating racial hatred will be introduced in New South Wales (NSW) today, making the intentional incitement of racial hatred a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison. This move comes in response to a rise in antisemitic attacks across Sydney and the wider state. Attorney-General Michael Daley affirmed that racial hatred is intolerable and this law will protect community members from fear of harassment and violence.
The proposed law targets public acts that incite racial hatred, while allowing exceptions for religious teachings that directly reference religious texts. The penalties for violations could reach up to $11,000 for individuals and $55,000 for corporations.
This initiative aligns with recent efforts to counteract antisemitism, including a ban on Nazi symbols near synagogues and the establishment of a dedicated police unit to tackle hate-related offences. However, some advocacy groups argue that the law should extend protections to all communities affected by hate and express concerns regarding potential overreach of police powers. The NSW Council for Civil Liberties described the proposed laws as a “knee-jerk reaction” that could infringe on the right to protest.