| The right to protest is a cornerstone of democratic society. |
|
AFIC Raises Serious Concerns Over WA Government’s Proposed Protest and Hate Speech Laws
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l:The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, AFIC, has noted reports that the Western Australian Government intends to introduce new protest and hate speech legislation.
While AFIC has not yet seen the draft bill, the pattern emerging across the country is deeply concerning. Laws dealing with protest rights, political expression and hate speech are increasingly being fast tracked in highly charged environments, with limited transparency and inadequate consultation. Legislation of this nature carries significant long term consequences and must not be rushed.
“When governments legislate in moments of heightened emotion, there is a real risk that the resulting laws are overly broad, disproportionate, or open to misuse,” Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC, said. “Once enacted, such powers rarely retreat. They expand.”
AFIC is particularly concerned about the potential impact on peaceful protest and legitimate political expression. The right to protest is a cornerstone of democratic society. Any move to further restrict that right must be justified by clear evidence, narrowly tailored in scope, and subject to strong safeguards.
AFIC is also seeking clarity on what consultation process the Western Australian Government intends to undertake. To date, there has been no public indication of a structured or inclusive engagement process with affected communities.
“Consultation cannot be reduced to a box ticking exercise,” Dr Jneid said. “Volunteer based organisations, faith groups and minority communities must be given sufficient time and access to detail to properly assess what is being proposed. Anything less risks producing flawed law that will damage trust rather than strengthen cohesion.”
AFIC urges the Western Australian Government to commit to a transparent and robust consultation period before introducing any bill to Parliament. Laws that affect civil liberties, community relations and religious communities must be built on broad based input, not drafted behind closed doors.
“We all want safe communities,” Dr Jneid said. “But safety and freedom are not opposing values. A democratic society must be capable of protecting both.”
AFIC stands ready to engage constructively, but makes clear that any legislation that is rushed, imbalanced or selectively applied will deepen division and undermine public confidence.
________________________________________
AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President |
