Nov 26, 2024 – Women’s groups and LGBTIQ+, disability and multicultural advocates have welcomed the introduction of new anti-vilification protections in Victoria.
The Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill expands the state's hate speech laws to protect people if they are vilified based on disability, gender identity, sex, sex characteristics or sexual orientation.
CEO Gender Equity Victoria Micaela Drieberg on Tuesdaywelcomed the introduction of the “strengthened laws against violence and hate”.
“Laws are in place to prevent discrimination based on a person’s sex or gender but these laws do not protect us from personal attacks,” she said.
“Vilification has no place in our communities, be it in person or online, and everyone has the right to feel safe.
“The proposed reforms acknowledge that all women have a right to feel safe and respected and everyone in Victorian should be able to take part in public life without fear.”
Fair Agenda CEO Renee Carr saidwomen continued to be the targets of public attacks.
“Almost two-thirds of the complaints about cyber abuse and image-based abuse sadly involve women,” she said.
“This pattern of behaviour is also seen in verbal threats against women, including threats of rape. We need to hold this hate to account, prevent it from spreading and ensure all Victorians can live safely and peacefully.”
With attacks on LGBTIQ+ people increasing, especially against the trans community, Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said anti-vilification protections were also about addressing hate speech before it escalates into acts of violence.
“LGBTIQ+ people are sadly among those Victorians who are vulnerable to vilification and are facing increased incidents of hate speech, threats and intimidation,” she said.
“Hate impacts on the safety and dignity of individuals and diminishes our community as a whole. People who target vulnerable minorities to incite hatred and fear need to be called out and stopped.
"We don’t want to see hate and extremism in public life, online spaces or on our streets.
“These laws will help protect all Victorians against hate and bigotry regardless of who they are, where they come from and what they believe.”
Victorian Disability Worker Commissioner Dan Stubbs saidrespect and fair treatment were at the heart of the changes.
“Being vilified and otherwise treated hatefully is something that too many people with disability have to quietly put up with,” he said.
“I welcome these changes as an excellent further step toward inclusion and ensuring people are generally treated with respect, which profoundly impacts a person’s quality of life.”
Multicultural Commissioner Dr Judy Tang welcomed the strengthened civil protections and said the reforms would help combat racism.
“Inciting hatred or contempt towards people of a particular race, culture, or faith has no place in Victorian society,” she said.
“As an Asian woman, member of the LGBTIQA+ community, and a psychologist, I keenly understand that hate can impact individuals for many different reasons beyond race and religion and cause immense harm.
“The expanded and strengthened protections means that all Victorians will be able to participate in daily life without fearing being attacked or ridiculed for how they look, where they come from or their abilities and identities.”
Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities Joe Ball said safe and respectful societies were built through mutual understanding.
“Everyone in our LGBTIQA+ communities deserves to live free from hate and violence. This legislation isn’t about restricting freedom of speech - it’s about ensuring freedom from violence and hate,” he said.
Contact: Tara Ravens, 0408 898 154, tara.ravens@equalityaustralia.org.au
