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Racial Vilification In Australia Essay

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In recent years there have been calls from community leaders across Australia to make amendments to Australia’s Racial Vilification Act, with some arguing certain aspects of it should be modified to promote freedom of speech, while others contend the Act does not do enough to protect certain groups from racism. In March 2014, Attorney-General George Brandis announced plans to repeal Section 18C of the Racial Vilification Act, which makes in unlawful to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people because of race, colour or national or ethnic origin. Although these plans were later repealed by then Prime Minister Tony Abbott, following a backlash from citizens and distinguished politicians a like, with Bill Shorten stating that the proposed changes were a “colossal mistake”, the debate has continued, not just in Australia but …show more content…

There are other exemptions to the act including it being subject to freedom of expression, whereby in certain instances where expressions that fall under the definition of racial hatred do not constitute racial hatred because the person who carried out the act did so reasonably and in good faith. Academic and scientific works, art and debates or comments on matters of public interest are generally exempt along with the media who are able to publish reports on racially offensive behaviour, because such information is published in good faith without the intent to

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