Queensland is set to ban phrases calling for the globalization of intifada and the destruction of Israel, making it the first Australian state to do so.
On Sunday, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced that his government would be bringing in a new reform package in response to the Jewish community’s demand for stronger legislation to drive out antisemitism.
The tough laws, to be introduced in Parliament this week, focus on fighting antisemitism and hate by addressing terrorist symbols and phrases, and by increasing safety around places of worship.
As part of the package, Crisafulli is making chanting or displaying the slogans “Globalize the Intifada” and “From the river to the sea” an offense. Anyone who contravenes this new legislation can be penalized with up to a two-year prison sentence.
He is also increasing penalties for displaying terrorist symbols from sis months to two years’ imprisonment, and will extend the existing prohibition of the display of symbols to include terrorist organizations and state sponsors of terrorism, including the Hamas flag and emblem, the Islamic State flag, the Hezbollah emblem, and Nazi symbols.
Increased protection for places of worship
In terms of protections for places of worship, Crisafulli is increasing penalties for assaulting or threatening a person officiating a religious ceremony from two to five years in jail; introducing new offences for impeding or harassing people attending religious services – maximum three years’ imprisonment – and creating a new special case of wilful damage for damage to a place of worship, with a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
“We called this out from the beginning, we said we’d act, and through this legislation, we are delivering a strong and considered response,” Crisafulli said.
“This is about drawing a clear line – and stamping out the embers of hatred that were allowed to burn unchecked for too long – to ensure we protect Queenslanders.
“The Jewish community has been clear: Queensland needs stronger legislation backed by real enforcement to drive out antisemitism, and that is exactly what we are delivering.”
In a press conference later on Sunday, he said, “We won’t accept terrorists on our shores. We won’t accept the seeds of antisemitism.
Attorney-General and Justice and Integrity Minister Deb Frecklington said her government was doing “everything possible to stop the rise of antisemitism,” and remained committed to “protecting communities and ensuring Queensland remains a safe, inclusive state for everyone.”
“This Bill represents a focused and practical step forward for Queensland,” she added.
“For the past two-and-a-half years, the Jewish community has endured unprecedented levels of hate, intimidation, and fear; and the reforms send a clear message that antisemitism and hate have no place in Queensland,” said Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg.
“Our community greatly appreciates the commitment by the Crisafulli government to ensure Jewish Queenslanders can live, work, and play just like any other Queenslander. This Bill moves beyond words and delivers real, practical protections for our community and for all people targeted by hate.”
The new legislation comes just months after the deadly terror attack at a Chabad Hanukkah party at Bondi Beach, when terrorists shot and killed 15 people and injured 40. The shooting was the first deadly attack on the Australian Jewish community.