Make Hate Speech & Hate Crimes Against Indians and All Ethnic & Religious Communities a Crime in Australia

Recently, the Australian Government released an exposure draft of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, which proposes criminal penalties for antisemitic hate speech and extremist conduct at the federal level. This significant step forward was welcomed by many, as it demonstrates a commitment to protecting vulnerable communities against the destructive forces of hatred and discrimination. However, it raises the question: why stop there?

While the bill is a crucial advancement in the fight against antisemitism, its scope is limited. It does not address hate speech and hate crimes against other ethnic or religious communities residing in Australia, such as Indians and many others who continue to experience discrimination and violence. This oversight leaves significant portions of our population at risk, including Indian Australians who have been targets of racial abuse and hate crimes, as documented by researchers and media outlets.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports and studies highlighting the increase in hate incidents against the Indian community in Australia. The Australian Human Rights Commission reports that racial discrimination has been on the rise, with individuals from Indian and South Asian backgrounds often bearing the brunt of these attacks. The tragic news stories about racial assaults and xenophobic vitriol directed at Indians resonate painfully within the community but receive scant broader attention and action.

The government can and should expand its proposed legal framework to offer protection for all ethnic and religious minorities. By criminalizing hate speech and hate crimes against Indians and all ethnic and religious communities, Australia can truly establish itself as a safe, inclusive, and equitable society for all its residents.

We urge lawmakers to amend the current bill to include these protections, ensuring that those who spread hate or incite violence against any group are met with the full force of the law. Legal protections should not depend on one's ethnic or religious background; they should be universal.

Join us in calling for immediate legislative action. By signing this petition, you can help send a powerful message to the Australian Government that the fight against hate must be comprehensive and inclusive. Together, we can make Australia a safer place for everyone.

Sign this petition if you believe:
✔ Racism and hate speech should be crimes for all communities, not just some
✔ Australia should protect the safety, dignity and rights of all its citizens equally
✔ Hate based on race, religion or ethnicity has no place in a multicultural society