In need of Australia facts- preferably answers from actual Australians?

Question

I want to know if Australia has "hate speech laws" like Canada does. Or are they more open-minded and accepting?

Answer 1

What is a hate speech law?

Ive never heard of it so maybe we dont have it here hah

Answer 2

I do not think it is anywhere near as bad as you may have just been told.

We get jokes about the Irish & Kiwis on national breakfast TV almost every day. Ch 7 at 6:45am for example ;)

I would assume that we would have something "like" a Hate speech law, based on what I have read about Canada (ie: The term "hate propaganda" is found in the Criminal Code of Canada, as an umbrella phrase introducing two specific types of offences against the person, advocating genocide and public incitement of hatred)

Racism, although it does exist, as everywhere, is not that bad.  This country is made up of so many different nationalities, that in many places, we all tend to blend together.  However, there is a minority of people that are, and will always be, racist.

Answer 3

We do have anti discrimination (race, s*x, sexual orientation, disability) and racial and religious vilification laws, but the other answerer has wildly exaggerated and misrepresented the real situation.

The anti vilification laws are there to protect people who would otherwise be targets of hate speech in the true sense of the term. For someone to be charged and found guilty, they must have broken the law in a serious way - it must be genuine hate speech of a kind any reasonable person would find unacceptable.

It's simply not true to say "You only have to look at someone not white and you are likely to be charged with racism, sexism or religious intolerance, or all three. It is a nightmare of political correctness gone mad".

Comedians still tell jokes about the Irish, the Kiwis and the Americans etc without fear of prosecution. When the Pope was here over the last couple of weeks, there were heaps of German and catholic jokes around and, of course, no one was charged, nor should they have been; they hadn't broken any law. Admittedly, comedians don't tell nasty jokes about other races but that's unacceptable in all civilized countries, not only in Australia.

Australia is one of the world's greatest melting pots of races and religions. We accept immigrants of every colour and creed and they're encouraged to retain their cultural and religious heritage in a spirit of true multiculturism. Our discrimination and vilification laws ensure that there is legal recourse available against anyone who refuses to accept this and who acts upon their prejudices.

Answer 4

We have anti discrimination, or racial and religious vilification laws that would probably cover what you mean. You only have to look at someone not white and you are likely to be charged with racism, sexism or religious intolerance, or all three. It is a nightmare of political correctness gone mad.

Comedians can't even tell jokes about the Irish or Kiwis without risking prosecution.

Answer 5

ive never heard of a hate speech so we probably dont.

we speak freely