Criminal Offence for Inciting Hatred Based on Religious Belief or Activity (Religious Vilification)

Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Vilification) Bill 2023

1st House

2nd House

Law

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

A person cannot perform a public act that incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule toward people based on their religious beliefs or activities.
Public acts include speaking; writing; broadcasting; or wearing clothing and flags that promote hatred.
The law does not apply to fair reports of these public acts.
The law does not apply to communications that have absolute privilege in defamation cases.
People are exempt if they act reasonably and in good faith for academic, artistic, scientific or religious purposes.

News articles and press releases