April 2, 2025 – Peak women’s, disability and LGBTIQ+ groups have welcomed the passing of the first protections against hate speech for their communities by the Victorian parliament.
The Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill was passed 22 votes to 17 on Wednesday morning with support from the minor parties.
It 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.
“Our communities have finally been afforded the same protections against hate and bigotry that have existed on the grounds of race and religion for over 20 years,” said Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown.
“The Bill also strengthens existing laws to better protect vulnerable communities across Victoria, ensuring we stop hate before it escalates into acts of violence.”
Ms Brown said anti-vilification protections were about “cutting off hate at its source”.
“Attacks on the queer community have escalated in recent years and harassment, discrimination and violence shockingly remain a lived experience for many people,” Ms Brown said.
“This legislation makes it clear that hate is not just against humanity – it’s against the law.”
CEO Gender Equity Victoria Micaela Drieberg:
“Women continue to make up the overwhelming number of victims of online abuse and violence. This sends a clear message that we have a right to feel safe and respected and to be able to take part in public life without fear.”
CEO Women’s Health Victoria Sally Hasler:
“Some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in Victoria are now finally protected from hate speech.
“All Victorians deserve to feel safe and respected, especially women and gender diverse people who are the main targets of gender-based violence.”
CEO Disability Discrimination Legal Service Julie Phillips:
“People with disabilities should not have had to wait so long for the protections from hate that other minority groups have benefited from.
“We are extremely pleased that vilification against people with disabilities, a long-standing problem, will finally be illegal.”
CEO Transgender Victoria Son Vivienne:
"Transgender Victoria applauds the passing of the long-awaited Anti-Vilification Bill through Victorian parliament.
“True progress hinges on building widespread public understanding of the lived reality of vilification which requires ongoing public education that empowers all Victorians, including targeted groups.
“We want a society built on mutual regard and not hate.”
The Coalition had supported expanding the state's hate speech laws to protect people if they are vilified based on disability, gender identity, sex, sex characteristics or sexual orientation.
But they refused to support the Bill because of the test it applied to determine civil vilification offences.
Media contact: Tara Ravens (0408 898 154) tara.ravens@equalityaustralia.org.au
