Victoria’s Attorney General Jaclyn Symes met with faith leaders to discuss proposed enhancements to anti-vilification laws on Tuesday, November 19. The changes aim to broaden protections against hate speech and conduct, creating a more inclusive society.
The proposed legislation seeks to lower the legal threshold for hate speech, focusing on the likelihood of inciting hatred rather than proof of actual incitement. It also adds new attributes, including disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sex characteristics.
Representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the meeting, Father Eusebios, Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne and Abbot of Pantanassa Monastery, commended the government’s efforts to create a safe society for all.
“Dignity is a divine gift, not something earned or based on social status. This dignity calls for the recognition and respect of each person’s rights and freedoms,” he said.
While faith leaders expressed concern over the potential impact on religious expression, Attorney General Symes reassured them, stating, “This isn’t about curtailing people’s ability to practice the religion that they hold. This is squarely about protecting vulnerable people from hate speech.”
Father Eusebios emphasised the importance of balancing freedoms, saying, “Protecting competing rights should contribute to creating a culture of mutual respect instead of mutual distancing.”
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia supports protecting human dignity while maintaining religious freedom, and welcomed the government’s commitment to collaboration on the legislation.
