In a significant legislative development, Federal Parliament has introduced several new offences under the Criminal Code to bolster the nation's response to hate crimes. These amendments aim to provide stronger protections for individuals and communities targeted based on attributes such as race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more.
New Offences Under the Criminal Code
The recent amendments have criminalised the following actions:
- Threatening Force or Violence Against Groups or Individuals: It is now an offence to threaten to use force or violence against a group or its members, including close associates. A group is defined by characteristics such as race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, or political opinion.
- Advocating Damage or Destruction of Property: Advocating for the damage or destruction of real property or a motor vehicle is prohibited if the belief is that the property serves as a place of worship for the group or is owned or occupied by its members or close associates.
- Threatening Damage or Destruction of Property: Threatening to damage or destroy real property or a motor vehicle based on the belief that the property serves as a place of worship for the group or is owned or occupied by its members or close associates is now a criminal offence.
- Advocating Force or Violence Through Property Damage: Advocating for another person or group to use force or violence against a group by causing damage to property is considered an offence.
Penalties for These Offences
Each of these offences carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.
How ED Legal Can Assist
At ED Legal, we are committed to delivering expert legal advice and representation in cases involving hate crimes and discrimination. If you or someone you know is facing charges under these new offences, our experienced team is here to guide you and advocate on your behalf through the legal process.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact ED Legal.
