Media Release
Friday December 19th 2025
National anti-hate laws must protect LGBTIQA+ people
Just.Equal Australia has called on the Albanese Government to ensure key initiatives to combat hate speech and violence directed at Jewish people also cover LGBTIQA+ Australians and other groups at risk of hate-motivated violence.
The Government has proposed a five-point plan against anti-Semitism that includes new laws prohibiting racial vilification, penalising hate speech that promotes violence and allowing stronger penalties for hate-based online harassment.
Just.Equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome said,
“Like other Australians we deplore the heinous attack at Bondi, mourn those whose lives were taken, thank the heroes and first responders who saved lives and support strong measures to curb anti-Semitism.”
“However, passing laws against only one kind of hate means other forms are seen as legitimate and less deserving of a response.”
“One important lesson from the Bondi tragedy is that the Government shouldn’t wait until attacks escalate before taking tough action against hate."
“National vilification and hate speech laws should cover LGBTIQA+ people as well as all other Australians vulnerable to hate.”
“We will be writing to the Federal Government asking it to ensure that its anti-hate initiatives protect everyone equally.”
Mr Croome said that recent attacks on LGBTIQA+ Australians include, but are not limited to:
35% had experienced verbal abuse, including hateful phone calls
24% had experienced being spat at and offensive gestures
22% had experienced written threats of abuse via emails, social media
15% had experienced threats of physical violence, physical attack or assault without a weapon
11% had received written threats of abuse
4% had deliberate damage to property or vandalism of a house
Mr Croome said almost all states and territories now have vilification laws that protect a range of groups including LGBTIQA+ people.
“If the states and territories can send the message that all forms of vilification are equally serious, the Commonwealth must as well."
"The same goes for laws against hate-motivated crime like those passed unanimously by the Tasmanian Parliament earlier this month.”
“When it comes to combatting hate and violence in all its forms, the Federal Labor Government must not fall below the standard set by state Liberal Governments."
For the five point plan, click here
For a copy of this statement on the web, click here
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
