Family First is worried it may be banned as a “hate group” after the Liberals backed Labor’s antisemitism, hate and extremism laws.
“There are plenty of radical activist groups that don’t like our advocacy for women’s and children’s rights or against mass immigration and want us shut down. Now they can claim woolly terms like ‘social, economic and psychological harm’ as justification to launch criminal proceedings against us,” National Director Lyle Shelton said.
“The minister has unprecedented powers to abandon due process and shut down organisations at the behest of activists who claim their feelings are hurt.
“This is a stake in the heart for free speech and freedom of religion.”
Mr Shelton said he has been pursued through the courts for six years under Australia’s existing regime of deeply flawed “hate speech” laws.
“The Liberals voting for yet more ill-defined ‘hate speech’ laws will do little to stop Islamic terror, but it will entrap mainstream Australian groups who speak their minds on things like LGBTIQA+ child gender clinics, Islamic extremism and the traditional definition of marriage.
“After some promising signs last week, the Liberals abandoned the fight for freedom of speech and freedom of religion and capitulated in a late-night deal with Australia’s most anti-free speech government.”
Mr Shelton praised the Nationals and One Nation for voting against the new “hate speech” bill.
Mr Shelton welcomed the banning of Hizb ut-Tahrir, a terrorist group banned in many
European and even in Islamic countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
Groups with links to terrorism have no place in Australia and Family First had long called for its banning here.
“Inciting violence is where the line should be drawn when crafting hate speech laws.
“Sadly laws against inciting violence were not enforced or strengthened since Muslims and left wing activists started supporting Hamas in the wake of October 7.
“Clearly the Albanese Government has used the antisemitism crisis it created to dust off its anti-free speech agenda with the Liberals happy to play the part of useful idiots in the latest clampdown on freedom in Australia.”
Mr Shelton said Family First was standing candidates at the upcoming South Australian, Victorian and NSW elections who will fight to repeal the anti-free speech provisions of state-based “hate speech” laws so freedom can be restored.
Contact details: