Australia debates new laws to restrict hate and suspend protests

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Since the mass shooting, Australian institutions have moved rapidly to prioritise preventive measures.

PHOTO: EPA

Damien Cave

SYDNEY – Responding to a deadly terrorist attack, authorities in the Australian state of New South Wales promised on Dec 19 to introduce a law that would give officials enormous powers to restrict speech and assembly.

Mr Chris Minns, the state’s premier, said the attack, which

killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach

The law would allow authorities to ban protests for up to three months during periods of high tension and emotions.

The proposed law joins a series of restrictions that have been floated at the federal and state levels in recent days: to

further tighten gun laws

Since the mass shooting, Australian institutions have moved rapidly to prioritise such preventive measures.

Legal scholars say the moves are prompting a debate about whether the actions go too far in curtailing democratic rights – and whether new laws are what Australia actually needs to reduce hate.

Mr Minns said the law in New South Wales, which is expected to pass easily in the state parliament, was extraordinary but necessary as emotions have risen after the tragedy.

“I’m firmly of the view that when we get to the point where you see passions enlivened to the point that it can unleash violence in our community, we have to take