MEDIA RELEASE
Family First has vowed to fight for the repeal of Queensland's newly passed "Respect at Work and Other Matters Amendment Bill 2024," describing it as a dangerous and repressive piece of legislation that undermines fundamental freedoms of speech and religion.
The bill, passed last week by Labor and Greens MPs, has sparked widespread concern among faith groups and free speech advocates, including the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) and speakers at the Family First National Conference.
Margaret Chambers, a research fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs, addressed the dangers of the bill in her speech at the Family First National Conference, calling it a "Trojan horse" filled with provisions that will severely restrict free expression.
"Hateful is not an objective standard," Chambers warned, noting that the bill expands the definition of vilification to include speech that is merely "likely to incite hatred," rather than requiring any actual incitement.
“The essential problem here is that hateful is in the eye of the beholder, and in the absence of a clear definition, the bill hands a sword to activists seeking to shut down debate,” she said.
Under the new legislation, Queenslanders can be taken before the Human Rights Commission for public speech that could be deemed "hateful" – a term left undefined in the bill.
This broad and vague language opens the door for activists to file complaints against people of faith, especially those who articulate religious beliefs that challenge non-mainstream views on gender and sexuality.
Chambers pointed out that this bill particularly threatens faith-based schools, which will be at risk of litigation simply for expressing their religious ethos.
Rob Norman, Queensland Director of the ACL, echoed these concerns in a media statement, calling the bill the most repressive speech law in Australia’s history. "Queensland Labor has pulled a death blanket over Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression of Religion," Norman said.
"This new legislation means that religious people who refer to holy texts or religious teachings that challenge sexual orientation or gender identity are open to costly action at the hands of the Queensland Human Rights Commission."
The implications of this bill are serious, and Family First will not stand by while Queenslanders’ freedoms are eroded.
“The Respect at Work bill weaponises existing anti-discrimination laws, allowing activists to target those who hold traditional values,” a Family First spokesperson said. “The cost of managing the legal risks associated with this bill could be devastating, particularly for faith-based schools and organisations, forcing them into silence or bankruptcy.”
Family First is committed to repealing this legislation and restoring the fundamental rights of Queenslanders.
“We cannot allow activists and unelected bureaucrats to control public debate and shut down religious expression,” the spokesperson added.
"This bill is an affront to our democratic values, and we will fight to repeal it."
Family First calls on all Queenslanders who value their freedom of speech and religion to join in this fight.
“We must send a clear message to the government: these oppressive laws have no place in a free and democratic society.”