Victoria Expands Hate Speech Laws to Protect Vulnerable Groups

The Victorian government is set to expand its hate speech laws, lowering the threshold for criminal charges and enhancing protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals and people with disabilities. Proposed amendments to the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act will allow police to charge offenders with incitement of hatred rather than requiring evidence of physical harm. While some groups welcome the changes, others, particularly religious organizations, express concerns about potential impacts on religious freedom and the ambiguity of the language in the laws. Two new criminal offences for serious vilification will be introduced, alongside civil protections under the Equal Opportunity Act. The government asserts that expressions of faith made in good faith will still be protected, aiming to balance free speech with the need to protect vulnerable communities. These changes are expected to be tabled in Parliament later this month for debate.