Premium Content:

Tony Abbott Drops Racial Discrimination Act Amendments

Hon-Tony-Abbott-MHR-official-photo1The Prime Minister has dropped George Brandis’ proposed amendments of the Racial Discrimination Act.

Some were concerned that the amendments would lead to racial vilification and have commended Tony Abbott for declining the proposal.

- Advertisement -

The Racial Discrimination Act 18C currently states in part: “It is unlawful for a person to do an act… if the act is reasonably likely, in all the circumstances, to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people”.

Brandis’ proposed changes would have removed the words “offend, insult, humiliate” and included “vilify” and given “intimidate” a narrower definition. The exemptions made for free speech and fair reporting would have been replaced with a more expanded exemption for “public discussion of any political, social, cultural, religious, artistic, academic or scientific matter”.

After concerns that the changes would be seen to be approving racial intolerance, the proposal was dropped.

LGBT rights advocates are hopeful that Tony Abbott’s decision to drop plans to repeal Section 18C could bode well for a conscience vote on marriage equality.

Australian Marriage Equality deputy director Ivan Hinton-Teoh made the following comments: “Today, the Prime Minister showed leadership by putting his own views aside and embracing majority opinion.”

“We hope he will do the same by allowing a conscience vote on marriage equality.”

Latest

On This Gay Day | The film 'Victor / Victoria' premiered in 1982

The role would become one of Julie Andrews most acclaimed performances.

Flowers got me thinking…

The onslaught of daily attacks against of LGBTIQA+ communities can be exhausting.

Clive Palmer says ads were meant to say ‘sex’ not ‘gender’

The billionaire admitted he'd got it wrong when he quoted the World Health Organisation.

David Polson’s inspiring life honoured at State Memorial

The community leader, HIV advocate and champion of LGBTIQA+ history was remembered for his life's work.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | The film 'Victor / Victoria' premiered in 1982

The role would become one of Julie Andrews most acclaimed performances.

Flowers got me thinking…

The onslaught of daily attacks against of LGBTIQA+ communities can be exhausting.

Clive Palmer says ads were meant to say ‘sex’ not ‘gender’

The billionaire admitted he'd got it wrong when he quoted the World Health Organisation.

David Polson’s inspiring life honoured at State Memorial

The community leader, HIV advocate and champion of LGBTIQA+ history was remembered for his life's work.

Stedman Pearson from British band Five Star dies aged 60

The band comprising five siblings had a string of UK hits in the 1980s.

On This Gay Day | The film 'Victor / Victoria' premiered in 1982

The role would become one of Julie Andrews most acclaimed performances.

Flowers got me thinking…

The onslaught of daily attacks against of LGBTIQA+ communities can be exhausting.

Clive Palmer says ads were meant to say ‘sex’ not ‘gender’

The billionaire admitted he'd got it wrong when he quoted the World Health Organisation.