Australia: Free speech debate flares

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A NEW battleground in the marriage equality debate has opened up as the State Government moves closer to changing the Anti-Discrimination Act.

The Act outlaws people from doing anything that “offends” on the basis of race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and other attributes.

Christian groups, fearful of being hauled before the courts for expressing traditional religious beliefs, are urging this section of the Act be removed.

However the Greens say the change could see an increase in “hate speech” as the country heads to a plebiscite on marriage equality.

“The Premier has caved in to opponents of marriage equality and is overseeing changes … that will weaken protections for LGBTI Tasmanians in the lead up to the Liberals’ planned plebiscite,” Greens leader Cassy O’Conner said.

But Australian Christian Lobby state director Mark Brown said other parts of the Act prevented hate speech and the current law would not allow for “respectful” debate on marriage equality.

He pointed to Tasmania’s Catholic Church being taken to the Anti-Discrimination Commission over a church pamphlet about same sex marriage.

Hobart transgender activist Martine Delaney, who was offended by the pamphlet, ultimately withdrew her complaint but Mr Brown said it showed that the threshold for launching legal action over somebody else’s opinions was too low.

“People should be able to discuss in a respectful way issues of public importance without the fear of being hauled before a statutory body because somebody was insulted or offended,” Mr Brown said.

Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin said she was mindful the Act should have “appropriate protection for genuine public debate and discussion.”

“This work will take into account community concerns about freedom of religion (and) freedom of political communication,” Dr Goodwin said.



“It is highly hypocritical that a protest party like the Greens is against the right for people to undertake free speech and civilised public debate without the risk of prosecution.”

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