18C is a blatant oppression of free speech, and it should be abolished ASAP. Abbott now regrets that he didn't do it, and it is to be hoped that the new senate crossbenchers insist on having it removed.

Not surprised to see the bigots here wanting the freedom to insult and lie and harass other people.
Its what you do best.

Not abolishing 18c is what is immoral.

A law which prevents anyone bringing injustice out to the public gaze should never be permitted.

Dear Hasbeen,

Suppose there was a public park or arena where the rule said: "Everyone who comes inside is game. Inside this ring you may punch and kick each other to your heart's content, even to death".

Assume that this place was well-signed all around (including for the vision-impaired) so that nobody entered it by mistake; that nobody was forced to enter that area; and that no essential functions were held there.

Is it stupid to have such a place? YES.
Is it immoral to have such a place? NO.

Don't like it? Don't go there!

It is currently illegal in all public spaces to punch and kick others, even for the purpose of correcting an injustice.
Is that law immoral? No.
Is it a moral imperative? No.
What is it then? A public policy.

Don't like it? Stay at home!

However, the same is currently illegal even in all private spaces - and that is morally wrong.

If you agree for the "no punching and kicking" law to apply to your own premises as well, then bless you, that's very welcome and reasonable - but when the state applies such laws without your permission to your own premises, that's a morally-wrong violent trespassing - irrespective of the fact that punching and kicking others also happens to be [in almost every circumstance] morally wrong.

In conclusion, currently 18C defines:

«"public place" includes any place to which the public have access as of right or by invitation, whether express or implied and whether or not a charge is made for admission to the place.»

This definition must be tightened to include only truly-public places rather than say, your own club or restaurant. Once fixed, you will be able to address any injustice to your own guests who expressed their willingness to hear you by visiting your premises. Apart from this I have no problem with 18C.

I would like to remind those who refer to people seeking abolition of 18c as bigots that their comments are offensive, and are particularly offensive to people whose national origins have led them to value free speech. Do they intend their comments to be contrary to 18c?

Let's not beat about the bush. The main supporters of 18C, are those whose religion exhorts them to kill infidels. It's amazing how such savages thinks it's OK to kill some people, but they are not tough enough to take a bit of verbal shellacking, the poor dears.