DP7 Anti-vilification protections Flashcards
What is vilification?
A behaviour that encourages or incites hatred, serious contempt, or severe ridicule of a person’s race or religion, such as making racist comments online that cause others to hate a specific group.
What is the relevant legislation?
The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001
What are the reasons for reform (general)?
Greater protections for the community, as vilification is common for many Victorians, and the laws in place were not too effective.
Furthermore, the law does not cover disability, gender or sexual orientation.
What are the reasons for law reform for Nazi symbolism?
To offer protections to groups which were persecuted during the holocaust, as Nazi symbolism was used as a symbol of anti-Semitism. For example, they were graffitied on political candidate signs during federal elections in Victoria, and Neo-nazis were kicked out of a Melbourne venue for celebrating Hitler’s birthday.
When was the matter referred/terms of reference received?
12 September 2019
What were the terms of reference?
- Anti-vilification laws and their effectiveness, success in enforcing
- Expansion of laws and extension of protections under law to include more groups of individuals
- Had 1 year to complete
What was part of the inquiry process?
The committee received 62 submissions from the community, including human rights organisations, academics and religious groups. In addition, the committee held 5 public hearings with over 40 witnesses, and the committee members researched laws in other jurisdictions.
What was included in the written report?
Included 36 recommendations to address vilification, including a ban on the public display of Nazi symbolism (recommendation 24), and to ‘establish a criminal offence that prohibits the display of symbols of Nazi ideology’ This included exceptions, such as allows display for educational purposes.
When was the written report tabled in parliament?
3 March 2021
When was the response tabled?
2 September 2021
What was the response from the government?
The government introduced legislation to criminalise the display of the Nazi Swastika and other historical symbols of Nazi ideology. The bill passed through the legislative council on the 21st of June, and the law in place in 2022, introducing a $22,000 fine, 12 months imprisonment or both.
What was the legislation that was passed called?
Summary Offences Act Amendment (Nazi Symbols Prohibition) Bill 22 in May
