The 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.
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.”
