Australia proposes new bill to strengthen fight against hate crimes

• The legislation follows last year’s landmark laws banning the Nazi salute.
• The proposed law proposes up to five years in jail for anyone.
• Offenders could face seven years in prison if the threats endanger the government.

Australia’s center-left government introduced new legislation on Thursday, imposing criminal penalties, including jail time, for offenders targeting individuals based on race, gender, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

The government introduced the bill in response to a surge in hate incidents following the Israel-Gaza war. This follows last year’s landmark laws that banned the Nazi salute and public displays of terror group symbols.

“No Australian should be targeted because of who they are or what they believe,” Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said in a statement.

“We proudly live in a vibrant, multicultural, and diverse community which we must protect and strengthen.”

The bill proposes up to five years in jail for anyone who threatens to use force or violence against a group or individual, with additional penalties if the person fears the threat will be carried out. Offenders could face seven years in prison if the threats endanger the government.

The Labor government said it would also introduce a separate legislation on Thursday to tackle “doxxing,” the malicious release of anyone’s data online, threatening offenders with jail of up to six years.

In February, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to outlaw doxxing after anti-Israel groups published the names, social media accounts, and personal details of hundreds of Jewish Australians online. The anti-doxxing bill allows victims to sue for “serious privacy invasions,” while providing exemptions for journalists and intelligence agencies.