Queensland Proposes Ban on Pro-Palestine Slogans Amid Antisemitism Concerns

Queensland is poised to become the first state in Australia to outlaw the phrases "from the river to the sea" and "globalise the intifada" under new hate speech reforms introduced by Premier David Crisafulli. This legislation follows the December 14 Bondi terror attack, which resulted in 15 fatalities during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration. The proposed laws aim to address rising antisemitism and enhance protections for religious communities.

Special Broadcasting Service

The legislation will criminalize the public distribution, publication, display, or recitation of these phrases if intended to incite menace, harassment, or offense, with penalties reaching up to two years in prison. Additionally, the reforms will extend existing bans on hate symbols, including swastikas, Nazi emblems, and flags associated with Hamas and Islamic State, increasing penalties for their display from six months to two years.

The Guardian

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington emphasized that the phrases in question are offensive and incite hatred. She stated, “These sayings have no place in Queensland when they are used to incite hatred, offence and menace.” The Queensland government consulted with various organizations, including the Crime and Corruption Commission and the Human Rights Commission, while drafting the legislation.

The Guardian

The reforms have garnered support from the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, with President Jason Steinberg noting that they would help restore safety and confidence within the Jewish community, which has faced heightened levels of intimidation and fear over the past two and a half years. Steinberg remarked, “This bill goes beyond words and delivers real, practical protections for our community and for all people targeted by hate.”

The Guardian

Despite the support, the proposed legislation has faced criticism from pro-Palestinian advocates who argue that the phrases are mischaracterized. Justice for Palestine Magan-djin spokeswoman Remah Naji contended that the government should focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza rather than banning slogans that advocate for human rights. Critics assert that the legislation could lead to politically motivated prosecutions and stifle free speech.

The Sydney Morning Herald

The meaning of the phrase "from the river to the sea" is contested, with some viewing it as a call for Palestinian liberation, while others interpret it as a denial of Israel's right to exist. Crisafulli has aligned with Steinberg's interpretation, stating, “No one can say for one moment that the Jewish community don’t fear their lives because of what they’ve seen and what they’ve been subjected to.”

The Sydney Morning Herald

The proposed laws are set to be introduced to the Queensland Parliament in the upcoming week. The government has indicated that these reforms are part of a broader strategy to combat antisemitism and enhance protections for religious communities, with additional measures to address harassment and violence at places of worship.

The Guardian

• “We called this out from the beginning, we said we’d act, and through this legislation, we are delivering a strong and considered response,” — David Crisafulli, Premier of Queensland

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “This is about drawing a clear line — and stamping out the embers of hatred that were allowed to burn unchecked for too long — to ensure we protect Queenslanders.” — David Crisafulli, Premier of Queensland

Special Broadcasting Service

• “For the past two and a half years, the Jewish community has endured unprecedented levels of hate, intimidation and fear and the reforms send a clear message that antisemitism and hate have no place in Queensland,” — Jason Steinberg, President of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies

Special Broadcasting Service

• “Justice for Palestine Magan-djin spokeswoman Remah Naji said the government should be paying attention to the conflict in Gaza, “not some slogans that call for the human rights principles to be applied equally in Palestine”.” — Remah Naji, Justice for Palestine Magan-djin spokeswoman

The Sydney Morning Herald