New Gun Laws Will Impact Freedom of Speech and Thought

Commentary The Firearms Bill 2024 before Western Australia’s (WA) state Parliament is a wolf in sheep’s clothing that will violate the rights of all citizens. The Bill will effectively legislate away a person’s right to silence, and their property rights. It presumes guilt by association, discriminates on the basis of health or disability, and challenges the right to free speech and freedom of opinion. The right to silence has long been recognized as fundamental to democracy. Since the days of England’s Star Chamber, it has protected people against the lack of due process and arbitrary rulings. It most certainly protects citizens against the excesses of law enforcement or the judiciary, with their almost limitless resources and ability to produce dubious or unfair evidence....