Ban public broadcast of executions in Australia
The issue
In 2009, 13 individuals tragically lost their lives at Fort Hood, Texas, in a deplorable act of violence perpetrated by Nidal Hasan. While justice must take its course, the potential broadcast or live stream of Hasan’s execution or any execution is a deeply troubling prospect for various reasons.
Firstly, such a broadcast would fulfill Hasan’s distorted desire to be seen as a martyr, effectively granting him a platform and publicity that he does not deserve. By televising or streaming an execution, we risk glorifying violence and potentially inspiring others with similar extremist ideologies. This is not freedom of the press or transparency; it is an unnecessary spectacle that can fuel the very violence and terror it seeks to condemn.
Moreover, turning the execution into a kind of snuff pornography disrepects and denigrates the victims and survivors of this heinous crime.
Endorsing or permitting the broadcast of a state execution undermines this reputation, aligning us with practices that many of our cultural allies find barbaric and unacceptable. The harm in inviting such coverage extends beyond our borders, providing extremist groups with a tool for incitement and recruitment on a global scale.
Significant data and historical evidence suggest that public executions have no deterrent effect on crime rates; instead, they contribute to a cycle of violence and desensitization. According to Amnesty International, over 140 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, recognizing the detrimental impact such public displays can have.
We urge the Australian government to take immediate action to prohibit any attempt to broadcast or live stream executions. By doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to human decency, security, and responsible media practices. Australia must set a precedent that human dignity and global safety are paramount.
Let's prevent this potential step back into an era of spectacle justice. Please sign this petition to tell our leaders that we will not stand for the broadcasting of executions—neither now nor in the future. Every signature brings us closer to preserving the integrity and safety of our nation and the world.
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The issue
In 2009, 13 individuals tragically lost their lives at Fort Hood, Texas, in a deplorable act of violence perpetrated by Nidal Hasan. While justice must take its course, the potential broadcast or live stream of Hasan’s execution or any execution is a deeply troubling prospect for various reasons.
Firstly, such a broadcast would fulfill Hasan’s distorted desire to be seen as a martyr, effectively granting him a platform and publicity that he does not deserve. By televising or streaming an execution, we risk glorifying violence and potentially inspiring others with similar extremist ideologies. This is not freedom of the press or transparency; it is an unnecessary spectacle that can fuel the very violence and terror it seeks to condemn.
Moreover, turning the execution into a kind of snuff pornography disrepects and denigrates the victims and survivors of this heinous crime.
Endorsing or permitting the broadcast of a state execution undermines this reputation, aligning us with practices that many of our cultural allies find barbaric and unacceptable. The harm in inviting such coverage extends beyond our borders, providing extremist groups with a tool for incitement and recruitment on a global scale.
Significant data and historical evidence suggest that public executions have no deterrent effect on crime rates; instead, they contribute to a cycle of violence and desensitization. According to Amnesty International, over 140 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice, recognizing the detrimental impact such public displays can have.
We urge the Australian government to take immediate action to prohibit any attempt to broadcast or live stream executions. By doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to human decency, security, and responsible media practices. Australia must set a precedent that human dignity and global safety are paramount.
Let's prevent this potential step back into an era of spectacle justice. Please sign this petition to tell our leaders that we will not stand for the broadcasting of executions—neither now nor in the future. Every signature brings us closer to preserving the integrity and safety of our nation and the world.
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Petition created on 12 October 2026