URGENT 🚨 Protect Free Speech: Repeal the Hate Speech Legislation


URGENT 🚨 Protect Free Speech: Repeal the Hate Speech Legislation
The issue
END antisemitism, NOT our freedoms!
_______________________________________
We are calling for the government to repeal the hate speech laws.
_______________________________________
The proposed “Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026
No. 2026 (Attorney-General) - PASSED ⚠️
A Bill for an Act to amend legislation relating to the criminal law, migration, customs, background checking, and to create a scheme to buy back firearms, and for related purposes.
HIGH RISK: These laws could lead to the unjust imprisonment of individuals simply for expressing their views whether publicly, on social media, or even private chat groups...
This bill is set to be presented in Federal Parliament on Monday 19 January, and if there is no opposition, it could be passed by Wednesday.
Please take urgent action by signing & sharing to oppose it.
Thank You 🙏🕊️🇦🇺
PLEASE SIGN & SHARE
The proposed laws against antisemitism, hate, and extremism, while seemingly well-intentioned, pose significant risks to freedom of speech and civil liberties.
URGENT PETITION
Oppose the Proposed Antisemitism, Hate, and Extremism Laws
Introduction:
We ask all Australians to sign this petition to firmly oppose the Australian Government's proposed laws on antisemitism and hate speech, which are undemocratic, unconstitutional, unnecessary and too vague. These laws threaten to silence legitimate criticism of government policies and violate the right to free speech.
Key Points of Opposition:
1. Undemocratic Process: The government is rushing these laws through Parliament, allowing only three days for public commentary, undermining democratic engagement.
2. Historical Context: Similar attempts to ban the Communist Party in the 1950s were struck down by the High Court, illustrating the dangers of using legislation to suppress ideas rather than addressing them openly.
3. Vague Definitions: The proposed definitions of hate crimes could easily encompass political discourse, stifling legitimate debate on pressing issues, including immigration policies.
4. Threat to Free Speech: The laws empower the government to penalise speech that is deemed to cause "intimidation," potentially criminalising a wide range of opinions and criticisms.
5. Invasion of Privacy: Authorities could gain unprecedented powers to surveil individuals suspected of hate crimes, infringing on personal privacy and freedoms.
Call to Action:
- We call upon the Parliament to reject these proposed laws and uphold our democratic values and the right to free expression.
- We believe the government should focus on enforcing existing laws against inciting violence rather than creating new ones that restrict speech.
- We propose a Commonwealth Inquiry into Islamic Extremism in addition to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism.
Conclusion:
Join us in defending our right to speak freely. Sign this petition to show your opposition to the proposed hate speech laws and protect our democratic principles.
Let’s end antisemitism, NOT our Australian democratic freedoms.
____________________________________
Lisa Cotton
National Director, Torchlight Australia
join@torchlightaustralia.org
Authorised by AL Cotton, North Sydney

1,448
The issue
END antisemitism, NOT our freedoms!
_______________________________________
We are calling for the government to repeal the hate speech laws.
_______________________________________
The proposed “Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026
No. 2026 (Attorney-General) - PASSED ⚠️
A Bill for an Act to amend legislation relating to the criminal law, migration, customs, background checking, and to create a scheme to buy back firearms, and for related purposes.
HIGH RISK: These laws could lead to the unjust imprisonment of individuals simply for expressing their views whether publicly, on social media, or even private chat groups...
This bill is set to be presented in Federal Parliament on Monday 19 January, and if there is no opposition, it could be passed by Wednesday.
Please take urgent action by signing & sharing to oppose it.
Thank You 🙏🕊️🇦🇺
PLEASE SIGN & SHARE
The proposed laws against antisemitism, hate, and extremism, while seemingly well-intentioned, pose significant risks to freedom of speech and civil liberties.
URGENT PETITION
Oppose the Proposed Antisemitism, Hate, and Extremism Laws
Introduction:
We ask all Australians to sign this petition to firmly oppose the Australian Government's proposed laws on antisemitism and hate speech, which are undemocratic, unconstitutional, unnecessary and too vague. These laws threaten to silence legitimate criticism of government policies and violate the right to free speech.
Key Points of Opposition:
1. Undemocratic Process: The government is rushing these laws through Parliament, allowing only three days for public commentary, undermining democratic engagement.
2. Historical Context: Similar attempts to ban the Communist Party in the 1950s were struck down by the High Court, illustrating the dangers of using legislation to suppress ideas rather than addressing them openly.
3. Vague Definitions: The proposed definitions of hate crimes could easily encompass political discourse, stifling legitimate debate on pressing issues, including immigration policies.
4. Threat to Free Speech: The laws empower the government to penalise speech that is deemed to cause "intimidation," potentially criminalising a wide range of opinions and criticisms.
5. Invasion of Privacy: Authorities could gain unprecedented powers to surveil individuals suspected of hate crimes, infringing on personal privacy and freedoms.
Call to Action:
- We call upon the Parliament to reject these proposed laws and uphold our democratic values and the right to free expression.
- We believe the government should focus on enforcing existing laws against inciting violence rather than creating new ones that restrict speech.
- We propose a Commonwealth Inquiry into Islamic Extremism in addition to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism.
Conclusion:
Join us in defending our right to speak freely. Sign this petition to show your opposition to the proposed hate speech laws and protect our democratic principles.
Let’s end antisemitism, NOT our Australian democratic freedoms.
____________________________________
Lisa Cotton
National Director, Torchlight Australia
join@torchlightaustralia.org
Authorised by AL Cotton, North Sydney

1,448
The Decision Makers
Supporter voices
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Petition created on 13 January 2026