“Coalition condemns hate speech laws as ‘unsalvageable’”

Posted on January 15, 2026 
Filed under Australia, Culture wars

From a Canberra Times article – mainly on political opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed “hate speech” laws –

“Religious leaders have urged the government to halt and rewrite the laws, saying it may open people up to prosecution over past remarks in its current form.

Anglican Bishop Michael Stead said the reform created a ‘minefield of definitions’ about hate and the bill included a retrospective element in relation to banned groups.

Dr Stead told a parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday the bill could be expanded to claim Christian teaching caused serious harm, leading to a Christian organisation being listed as a hate group. …”

– Read the full report here.

See also:

“The Federal Government has released its draft Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill.

We need legislation to combat antisemitism and racial hate, but this rushed bill has significant risks to religious freedom.

The legislation was released on the January 12, submissions were due on the 15th, and voting is expected on January 22. In this timeframe it is impossible to get careful analysis of the legislation and its possible impacts. …”

– Freedom for Faith encourages readers to contact their Federal Member of Parliament with some urgency.