INCITING hatred and contempt or ridiculing someone because of their religious beliefs is set to become a crime in NSW – a move which has been welcomed by local religious leaders.
The NSW Government has flagged plans to introduce legislation prohibiting vilification on the grounds of religious belief, affiliation or activity.
Premier Chris Minns committed to amending the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 to prohibit religious vilification within his first 100 days in office.
This Bill follows through on that commitment.
Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper says religious vilification is on the rise.
“This is unacceptable,” he said.
“Members of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths have all raised concerns about the growing levels of intolerance.”
Turbans for Australia founder and CEO Amar Singh said he welcomed the reform.
“As a representative of the Sikh community, I have faced vilification by some who didn’t agree with my views on Sikh rights and farmer protests in India,” he said.
“I hope this legislation will be a firm step to stop religious vilification.”
Former Auburn Interfaith Network chairman Geoff Barrett said he fully supported the move.
“I have witnessed religious vilification and I believe all religious groups will benefit from this,” he said.
Father Thomas Kurunthanam from St Peter Chanel Berala and St Joseph the Worker Auburn, said it was a positive move.
“What we also need is cultural change,” he said.
“Legislation need not be the best solution, though it will provide some protection where needed.
“Focusing also on education to encourage respect and understanding would be a wise choice too as it is culture and attitude that needs to be reformed.”
Australian Bengali Hindu Association (ABHA) General Secretary Liton Saha said he strongly supported introducing the new legislation.
“The new legislation will protect the faiths of multicultural communities,” he said.
“I highly appreciate the NSW Labor Government taking the initiative as they promised.”
