Labor may extend hate speech protections to LGBTQ+ and religious groups

The government says it will consider extending hate‑speech protections to LGBTQ+ people, people with disability and some religious groups after the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill is debated in parliament next week.

The federal government says it will consider broader legal protections for LGBTQ+ Australians, people with disability and some religious groups after a new hate speech bill is debated in parliament. The legislation was drafted after the Bondi Beach shootings and focuses initially on antisemitism and other race‑based protections. Parliament is scheduled to sit on Monday and Tuesday next week to debate the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill. Officials say further work on extending protections would follow if the bill is passed. Key points: - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will refer broader hate‑speech issues to a process if the current legislation is carried by parliament. - Parliament will debate the bill on Monday and Tuesday next week, where it is expected to be rushed through after a recent inquiry. - Health minister Mark Butler flagged protections for characteristics including disability, gender and sexuality as possible future extensions. - Deputy secretary Sarah Chidgey of the attorney‑general's department said the bill’s drafting is based on provisions from the Racial Discrimination Act and is expected to encompass Jewish and some ethno‑religious groups, while noting that being a member of a larger religious group alone may not always meet the criteria. Summary: If passed, the bill would introduce new hate‑speech and anti‑vilification measures and powers to designate proscribed organisations. Further consideration of extending protections to additional groups was announced as a next step; parliamentary debate next week is the immediate procedural milestone.