Australia introduces new bill to combat rising hate crimes; will tackle 'doxxing' next
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Australia on Thursday (Sep 12) introduced a new law that seeks to combat hate crimes in the nation. The new hate crime legislation introduced by the centre-left government would impose criminal penalties, including jail time, for offenders who target people on the basis of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic origin.
No one should be targeted for "what they believe in" said Australia's Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.
Punishment proposed by the law
Australia's anti-hate law proposes a jail sentence of up to five years for anyone threateningto use force against a person or a group, and if a person fears that the threat would be carried out.
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A seven-year punishment will be doled out if the offender poses a danger to the Australian government.
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Diverse community
The anti-hate bill comes as Australia witnessed a rise in hate incidents. As per Reuters, this surge in hate crimes follows the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. It also comes after a landmark law that was passed last year which banned the Nazi salute and public displays of terror group symbols in the country.
In a statement announcing the new law, Australia's Attorney General said: "No Australian should be targeted because of who they are or what they believe."
"We proudly live in a vibrant, multicultural and diverse community which we must protect and strengthen," he added.
Doxxing
The government also announced the plan to introduce a separate legislation to tackle "doxxing" — publishing a person's private information or identifying such information on the internet, typically with malicious intent.
Australia's anti-doxing law would empower victims to sue for "serious privacy invasions".
The crime would carry a jail term of up to six years. However, journalists and intelligence agencies would be given exemptions.
This comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in February promised to take steps to combat doxing after anti-Israel groups in the country published the names, social media accounts and other personal details of hundreds of Jewish Australian people.
(With inputs from agencies)
