Big Fines on the Books for Religious Vilification
Published on November 12, 2023
People in the state of New South Wales (NSW) can now be fined up to $100,000 (US$63,000) if they religiously vilify someone, with the government amending existing anti-discrimination laws. The changes make it illegal by a public act to incite hatred or serious contempt or to severely ridicule a person or group because of their religious belief, affiliation or activity. Vilification is defined as abusively disparaging speech or writing. Premier Chris Minns said it was an important election promise to fulfil. “The NSW government supports a peaceful, multicultural society. There cannot be room for hatred which sows the seeds of mistrust and intolerance,” he said on Sunday....