THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
Brandis gives Green Light to Bigots
Today in Senate Question time, in response to questions by Senator Nova Peris, the Attorney-General confirmed that he believes the Government's changes to Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act should allow bigotry.
Today in Senate Question time, in response to questions by Senator Nova Peris, the Attorney-General confirmed that he believes the Government's changes to Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act should allow bigotry.
BRANDIS: Well Mr President, people do have a right to be bigots you know. In a free country people do have rights to say things that other people find offensive or insulting or bigoted. (SENATE - 24 MARCH 2014).
Senator Brandis has clearly revealed today he intends to give a green light to racist hate speech in Australia.
Labor is deeply concerned by the scope of changes the Government is planning to Section 18C.
Tony Abbott and Senator Brandis have shown they're not prepared to listen to community groups, or their own MPs, who vigorously oppose the watering down of legal protections against racism.
The Government should leave Section 18C exactly as it is. It has served our community well for almost 20 years.
MONDAY, 24 MARCH 2014
