Stronger laws target hate speech in Victoria

NEW anti-vilification laws passed by the Victorian parliament will extend protections to more groups and introduce tougher penalties for serious hate speech and threats.

The Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024 passed this week, with the Victorian government describing it as a key step toward strengthening social cohesion.

The reforms create two new criminal offences under the Crimes Act: inciting hatred or serious contempt based on a person’s attributes, and threatening physical harm or property damage on the same grounds. The maximum penalty for the most serious offences is five years in prison.

The laws apply to public, private and online conduct and are designed to be easier to prosecute than existing offences.

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the new laws sent a clear message that hate has no place in Victoria.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in Victoria and these laws send the strongest message that we will make sure that’s the case.”

The bill extends protections to cover attributes such as disability, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, sex characteristics and association with a person who has a protected attribute.

It also updates civil protections, allowing people to seek remedies through the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said the legislation reaffirmed Victoria’s commitment to protecting its diverse communities.

“Victoria’s diversity is our strength.

“Every individual – regardless of their background, faith, or identity – can live free from hate and discrimination.”