NSW Premier Chris Minns says that repealing ‘hate speech’ laws would send a toxic message to the community, and admits that we don’t have U.S.-style free speech because he wants to preserve multiculturalism. pic.twitter.com/KE9SCjjOIL
— Australians vs. The Agenda (@ausvstheagenda) March 17, 2025
Grok says:
Chris Minns’ stance on hate speech laws aligns with new legislation passed in NSW in early 2025, which criminalizes inciting racial hatred, following a rise in anti-Semitic incidents after October 2023 Middle East tensions.
The laws, rushed through parliament in February 2025, were criticized for lacking proper scrutiny, with the NSW Law Reform Commission previously warning that vague terms like “hatred” could make enforcement inconsistent.
Minns’ reference to preserving multiculturalism reflects Australia’s demographic reality—over 30% of NSW residents were born overseas as of the 2021 census, making social cohesion a political priority.
Australia’s lack of U.S.-style free speech stems from its legal framework; the High Court recognizes an implied freedom of political communication but allows restrictions for public safety, as seen in the 1992 Australian Capital Television case.
Critics argue the laws prioritize minority protections over individual rights, with some X users in the thread linking this to broader concerns about immigration and cultural integration in Australia.
The Human Rights Law Centre warned in March 2025 that the laws’ broad language and expanded police powers could chill peaceful protests, a concern echoed by Equality Australia, which pushed for wider protections across all marginalized groups.
Minns’ comments contrast with U.S. First Amendment protections, where hate speech is largely permissible unless it incites imminent lawless action, as established in the 1969 Brandenburg v. Ohio ruling.
The debate mirrors global trends—countries like Canada and Germany also restrict hate speech to balance multiculturalism, but Australia’s laws are notably stricter, with penalties up to three years in prison under Section 93Z of the Crimes Act.
