Protesters arrested under new Queensland hate speech laws
2 days ago
- #Queensland
- #hate speech
- #protest
- A man and woman were arrested in Brisbane for using a banned phrase deemed antisemitic under new Queensland hate speech laws.
- This marks the first arrest under the new laws, which prohibit phrases like 'from the river to the sea' and 'globalise the intifada' when used to menace or offend.
- The protesters were part of a nationwide student strike for Palestine, gathering outside Queensland's state parliament.
- The 33-year-old man was charged for reciting the banned phrase, while the 18-year-old woman had it painted on her singlet and received an adult caution.
- The new laws, passed last week, carry penalties of up to two years in prison for written or spoken use of prohibited expressions.
- A student activist claimed the arrests were aimed at 'silencing' dissent, while police investigations continue.