Australia to introduce new laws against "advocacy of genocide"

A new crime of "advocacy of genocide" will be introduced by Australia's government to combat the threat of hate speech and "lone wolf" attacks.

Attorney general George Brandis said on Friday that the government would pass new legislation to make hate speeches illegal in Australia.

He wrote in News Corp publications, saying that while free speech is a right for all Australians, it is also a responsibility.

"Free speech has no greater advocate than I. But advocating extremism or violence to achieve political change, or to hurt, threaten, or vilify others, is not a legitimate use of free speech and has no place in our society," Brandis wrote on Friday.

"We must instead remain ever vigilant, committed and cooperative in our combined effort to defeat those people who abuse the privileges and rights we take for granted in Australia."

Brandis said Australia was no place for those inciting violence or terrorism, pledging up to 28 million US dollars over four years to set up to counter "violent extremeism." He said the government would target online hate speech.

"The government has shown the political will to deal with the menace of those who incite hate and terrorism," Brandis said. " This is achieved not only through criminalizing actions including urging of violence against some groups, but more broadly, through its countering violent extremism programs and ongoing engagement with communities."

"This government has increased investment in countering violent extremism programs."

Brandis took specific aim at radical Islamic group Hizb ut- Tahrir, which came under fire after its leader in Australia went on an anti-Semitic rant last year.

Ismail al-Wahwah labeled Jews "the hidden evil" and called for "a jihad against the Jews."

Brandis said the legislation would bring back the "great Australian achievement" of tolerance in society, saying Australia would not stand for hate speech.
  Xinhua - globaltimes.cn
4/9/15
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