Advocates disappointed by Upper House failure to review hate speech bill

TASMANIAN GAY AND LESBIAN RIGHTS GROUP

Gay advocates are disappointed the State Upper House today refused to refer a bill weakening Tasmania’s hate speech protections to an inquiry.

Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome said,

“I’m very disappointed by today’s decision because if there was ever a bill that needed proper scrutiny it was this one.”

“The job of the Upper House is to be a house of review, but at the moment it’s not doing its job.”

“We will now mobilise supporters to send a loud and clear message to the Upper House to protect the integrity of the Anti-Discrimination Act by blocking this bill.”

The State Government’s proposal will see religious groups given a special right to offend and incite hatred other people.

The bill has been criticised for giving a green light to hatred, for a lack of public consultation, for a lack of public support, and because it is badly drafted.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson, Rodney Croome