The B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC), Australia’s leading civil and human rights organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has called on the government and opposition to resist calls for the amendment of section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. This follows news reports that senator David Leyonhjelm and Malcolm Roberts will seek changes to the law.
Dr. Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“We call on the government and the opposition to resist calls to change section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. It is vital that we retain of effective protections against racial vilification and the Racial Discrimination Act has long played a key role in this struggle. Through our work combatting hatred, bigotry and anti-Semitism, we have found that strong racial vilification laws are an essential and necessary tool in addressing and countering the unique harm caused by bias-motivated hate speech and that repealing this law would send the wrong signal and message, especially to young people. When hate speech is allowed a free reign, this slow-acting poison robs the intended victims of their dignity and sense of security, be it against Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Jews, women and the LGBTI community, and it creates a climate of intolerance and prejudice. We urge the Prime Minister and Mr Shorten to assure the Australian people that 18C, which contains vital protections that have been used to safeguard individuals and communities in the rich fabric of our multicultural nation, will not be diminished or diluted.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on (03) 9272 5677