November 8, 2016
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission, Australia’s leading organisation fighting anti-Semitism hatred in all its forms, issued the following statement regarding the news that the Federal Government will convene a parliamentary inquiry into freedom of speech which will also examine whether sections 18C and 18D of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) impose unreasonable restrictions on free speech. The inquiry will also probe the manner by which the Human Rights Commission deals with complaints under the act.
“While we welcome any inquiry that may ultimately improve the RDA and its application, and strengthen free speech— a cornerstone of our democracy— we would hope that following the inquiry 18C and 18D are not watered down so effective and essential protections against racial vilification, intimidation and hate speech are diminished. Such a move will be enormously damaging and will send the wrong message. Bigotry and racism continue to pose a grave problem in Australia, and given that vilification can lead to serious mental and social harm for the victims, the law has a key role to play in addressing this challenge by providing legal remedies. The ADC has always maintained that freedom of speech is a cherished human right, yet as current laws demonstrate, it has never been an absolute right, and must always be weighed up and balanced against the rights of all citizens to be protected from racial attacks and discrimination. In situations and areas such as defamation, harassment and threats, the law legitimately places limits on free speech so as to prevent significant harm. Clearly, there is extensive and widespread community backing for maintaining 18C and 18D, and we would urge the government to retain these strong safeguards that shield all people from racial vilification and which enrich the tolerant and respectful mosaic of our multicultural nation.”
The Anti-Defamation Commission, founded in 1979, is Australia’s leading civil rights organization fighting racism through educational programs that combat bigotry, prejudice and all forms of hatred.
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 0410 539 015
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