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New hate-speech laws could be in force within weeks
Hate speech laws criminalising violent threats against racial or religious groups could be in force within weeks, as Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus rejects claims that the Albanese Government’s policies on Israel have fuelled a surge in anti-Semitism. Source: The Age.
Minns vows crackdown on hate speech in NSW
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says his government will implement law changes to keep the community safe following the latest anti-Semitic attack, including a ban on protests outside religious institutions. Source: Sky News Australia.
Government, Opposition close to deal on hate speech laws
Labor and the Coalition are within sight of a deal to pass new laws against violent hate speech when federal Parliament resumes in February, as both major parties vow to act on antisemitism. Source: The Age.
Christian leaders call for end to anti-Semitic attacks
Sydney’s Christian leaders have declared Israel’s military response to Hamas cannot be used to justify the explosion in anti-Semitism in Australia, and the ceasefire must put an end to a recent wave of anti-Jewish hate crimes. Source: The Australian.
Ukraine accuses Russia of killing clergy and banning religions in occupied areas
Russian forces have killed almost 70 clergy and destroyed more than 630 places of worship in Ukraine since the start of its 2022 invasion, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Source: OSV News.
Jewish MP calls for mandatory sentences for anti-Semitic attacks
One of Australia’s most prominent Jewish MPs has called for National Cabinet to convene this week and bring in mandatory sentences for criminals who attack synagogues, as multiple incidents of hate are referred to counter-terrorism police. Source: The Australian.
Senator wants hate speech bill expanded to protect places of worship
Liberal senator Paul Scarr has called for Labor’s hate speech bill to be expanded to create an offence of “urging or threatening” an attack on a place of worship, amid a surge in anti-Semitism. Source: The Australian.
Albanese’s emotional plea for national unity to end ‘evil’ of anti-Semitism
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an emotional plea for national unity to end the “evil” of anti-Semitism after a fresh hate crime in Sydney. Source: The Australian.
Catholic Religious Australia condemns arson attack on synagogue
Catholic Religious Australia says there is “no place in Australia for attacks on places of worship” as it condemned the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on Friday.