Queensland is planning to outlaw a pro-Palestine slogan as part of new hate speech legislation introduced by the local government.
The phrase ‘from the river to the sea’ is on the verge of being prohibited in Queensland following the tragic Bondi terror incident, where 15 individuals lost their lives during a Hanukkah gathering in December.
This attack, which also left 40 people injured, stands as Australia’s most lethal since the 1996 Port Arthur incident, where 35 individuals were killed.
Premier David Crisafulli announced the initiative on Sunday, February 8. The proposed reform is expected to be presented to parliament on Tuesday, February 10.
The legislation aims to ban the ‘public distribution, publication, display or recitation of proscribed phrases’, as noted by the Guardian, especially when intended to instigate menace, harassment, or any offense.
“We called this out from the beginning, we said we’d act, and through this legislation, we are delivering a strong and considered response,” Crisafulli stated.
“This is about drawing a clear line – and stamping out the embers of hatred that were allowed to burn unchecked for too long – to ensure we protect Queenslanders,” he continued.
Individuals who use the prohibited phrase could face imprisonment for up to two years under the proposed laws.
The slogan, fully stated as ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’, refers to the region from the Jordan River in eastern Israel to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.
Opponents argue it advocates for the destruction of Israel; however, supporters maintain that the phrase calls for Palestinian freedom without promoting hate or violence against Israelis.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington commented: “These sayings have no place in Queensland when they are used to incite hatred, offence and menace.”
Jason Steinberg, president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, expressed that the planned reforms would clearly convey that antisemitism and hate ‘have no place in Queensland’.
“Our community greatly appreciates the commitment by the Crisafulli Government to ensure Jewish Queenslanders can live, work, and play just like any other Queenslander,” Steinberg said.
“This Bill moves beyond words and delivers real, practical protections for our community and for all people targeted by hate,” he added.