13 January, 2026 – Equality Australia says the federal government’s proposed overhaul of hate speech laws fails to adequately protect LGBTIQ+ people and other vulnerable communities. 

Under the reforms, set to be debated in parliament next week, LGBTIQ+ people have been excluded from the aggravated sentencing provision and remain without protection from a new law against promoting or inciting hatred, which is limited to race only. 

“Hatred in any form - whether racial, religious or targeting LGBTIQ+ people or people with a disability - has no place in our society,” said Equality Australia Legal Director Heather Corkhill. 

“Serious vilification laws must apply equally. The government should be stopping all hate before it turns violent, not creating tiers of protection. 

“Intimidating rainbow families online, calling for the destruction of trans people or threatening gay men on the street is equally vile and must be stamped out.” 

Ms Corkhill said the government was turning a blind eye to the rising levels of hate and violence against the LGBTIQ+ community.  

“Protecting Jewish communities is vital but hate harms everyone it targets, and our laws must protect everyone alike,” she said.

“We are seeing alarming and deliberate attacks against LGBTIQ+ people. The threats to our community are real and severe, and the need for stronger protections from hate and vilification has never been more urgent.” 

Ms Corkhill said the LGBTIQ+ community had so far been excluded from the consultation process on the draft bill. 

“We have been left in the dark, even though the criminal law being amended recognises us as an at-risk group, and despite calls from Jewish leaders to extend protections to all attributes,” she said. 

“No one should be targeted because of their race or religion - and no one should be targeted because of their sexuality or gender identity. If hate is unacceptable for one group, it must be unacceptable for all. 

“Creating a hierarchy of protections actively undermines social cohesion as well as the effectiveness of the law. This is a missed opportunity to protect every community targeted by hate.” 

Media contact: Tara Ravens 0408 898154