New religious vilification laws commence in NSW

·

A new law that prohibits vilification on the grounds of religious belief, affiliation or activity has come into effect in New South Wales.

The Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Vilification) Act 2023 amends the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 to make it unlawful to, by a public act, incite hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, a person or group of persons, because of their religious belief, affiliation or activity.

A ‘public act’ includes any form of public communication or conduct, verbal and non-verbal.

The amendments in the Act are modelled on existing provisions that make vilification unlawful on the grounds of race, homosexuality, transgender status and HIV/AIDS status.

The new law will also protect people who do not hold a religious belief or affiliation, or who do not engage in religious activity.

A complaint of religious vilification may be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW, which will seek to resolve it by conciliation.

In certain circumstances, a complaint may also be referred to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for determination. This would allow the President of the Anti-Discrimination Board to accept, investigate and attempt to conciliate complaints, as well as refer the complaint to NCAT for determination. If a complaint is substantiated, NCAT may make a range of orders, including for an apology or for damages of up to $100,000.

The Government consulted closely on the proposed amendments with a broad range of stakeholder groups, including religious faith and religious advocacy organisations and community advocacy organisations, legal stakeholders and NSW Government agencies.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said, “The NSW Government supports a peaceful, multicultural society in NSW.”

“There cannot be room for hatred which sows the seeds of mistrust and intolerance. We cannot tolerate religious vilification. This would threaten the thriving, tolerant, multi-religious and multi-ethnic heart of NSW,” Mr Minns added.

“We must all champion community harmony and togetherness, and choose peace and solidarity over hatred and division.

“The commencement of these amendments to the Anti-Discrimination Act fulfils an important election promise.”

The NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said, “The message is simple. Those who would vilify others because of their religion should know that it is unacceptable.”

“This much-needed legislation will provide our faith communities with similar protections provided to members of diverse and multicultural communities,” Mr Kamper added.

“NSW is the most successful multicultural and multifaith state in the world. We are united by our respect for each other and our commitment to tolerance and understanding.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dennis Bastas’ DBG Health posts profit surge but pays no dividend

Billionaire businessman Dennis Bastas’ company DBG Health recorded a near eightfold increase in net profit last year but paid no dividend.

Giannis Antetokounmpo says he hopes to end career in Greece

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has revealed he hopes to finish his basketball career in his native Greece after his NBA tenure.

Greece eyes Gaza reconstruction role, nears recognition of Palestinian state

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said Greece is prepared to play an active role in Gaza’s reconstruction and regional stability.

Trump warns Hamas to disarm as hostage remains returned to Israel

US President Donald Trump has warned Hamas to disarm or face force, as the remains of four dead hostages were returned to Israel from Gaza.

The Greek Herald finalists lead the way in 2025 Greek International Women Awards

The Greek Herald’s own Dimitra Skalkos and Andriana Simos are finalists in the 2025 Greek International Women Awards.

You May Also Like

Government to tie public funding to action against anti-Semitism

Publicly funded institutions, including arts bodies and universities, risk losing government support if they fail to address antisemitism.

Greece is one step closer to developing its own Silicon Valley near Thessaloniki

The Greek state's recovered ownership of a 760,000 square metre plot at Peraia in Thessaloniki, where a fourth-generation technology park will be developed.

Olympiacos stuns Barcelona to secure spot in Euroleague basketball Final Four

Olympiacos secure a 63-59 victory over Barcelona in Euroleague basketball taking them to the Final Four. Read more.