One of the pillars, among many, of a free and just democratic society is the protection of civil liberties, the peoples right to freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of religion.

Following on from its get tough on juvenile crime legislation, with; "adult time for adult crime" slogan, the Crisafulli LNP government in Queensland has introduced new "Hate Speech" laws. The objective being to silence anyone perceived as espousing anti-Jewish sentiments by exercising free speech, writings or even the displaying of unauthorised symbols. With the government of the day being the determinant of what is acceptable and what is not, and without an upper house of review in Queensland, it would be very easy for the government of the day to turn this legislation onto those, who would through freedom of speech criticise the government. On of the shocking aspects of this law, was the notion that the police should be the arbitrator of acceptability! Now that would be a dangerous precedent, by any stretch of the imagination.

Magistrate; What is the boy changed with Officer?
Copper; "Violation of Hate Speech laws"
Magistrate; "What did he say?"
Copper; "He called me a PIG your Honour!"
Magistrate; "Guilty...first offence...adult time for adult crime my boy...HANG HIM HIGH!"

The civil libertarians have found an odd ally in the former Queensland Premier, and conservative Campbell Newman, but not necessarily for the reasons of civil liberties for all.

"Former premier Campbell Newman has criticised the government's new hate speech laws, arguing they are a "slippery slope" and could be used against conservatives under future governments.

The new laws will allow the government to ban phrases it deems problematic by regulation once the legislation passes state parliament.

The government has confirmed it intends to ban the phrases 'from the river to the sea' and 'globalise the intifada', along with a number of Nazi and hate symbols."

Strangely this is the same government that will allow radical extremists to own as many guns as they want, totally out of step with the rest of the nation.

I wish that Queensland could be free and peaceful like Iran, Russia or China. You never see any big protests here about those countries, so they must be wonderful places.

The ABC reporters are beside themselves about the actions of fascist leader Trump and the Zionists against the peace loving democracy of Iran currently.

I think that another protest march across Sydney Harbour Bridge is called for. Great Satan America needs to be called out.

Hi Fester,

I get your sarcasm, but its for that exact reason of not allowing government authoritarian powers that Australia is not like Iran, Russia and China.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," Edmund Burke

It seems you are accepting of some minor erosion of civil liberties, of course for the greater good, and of course its not to the extreme of Iran, Russia and China. Anyway, the life of the "silent majority" wont change radically, if it changes at all. After all its only targeting those "ratbags" you don't agree with in the first place.

"the Crisafulli LNP government in Queensland has introduced new "Hate Speech" laws. "

Not just Queensland. The rush to censorship is occurring throughout. NSW also has these vile laws although, since they are Labor government we won't hear Paul lamenting that.

Recently in NSW a man was charge with saying, during a 40 second speech to a rally, "that the Jewish community was the “greatest enemy to this nation” and to “Western civilisation”. Result. One year in gaol. Oh and that's a true story as opposed to Paul's fairy-tale stories.

Governments the world over (with the exception of the US) are trying to rein in the freedom of speech of their people. Its vile.

Trumpster,

Agree, Minns in NSW has overreacted on this as well. Qld happens to be where I live, and its news this week. I agree with your right to goose-step around in your snappy black uniform, giving the Donald salute. I don't agree with your extreme far right opinions, but you are welcome to them.

"Governments the world over (with the exception of the US) are trying to rein in the freedom of speech of their people. Its vile." Donald is as guilty as the rest