Maltese people living in Australia have joined the chorus of protests against proposed changes that would water down safeguards against racial hate in a bid to strengthen freedom of speech.
Late last month, the federal government asked the public for feedback about its proposed removal of key sections of the Racial Discrimination Act, which, it says, make it illegal to “hurt the feelings of others”. Instead, it will become an offence to vilify or intimidate on the grounds of race.
We have harmony and respect for the minority. It is an essential feature of this country of ours
When he released the draft, Attorney General George Brandis said the section being repealed could stifle public discussion and had resulted in censorship. Then, last week, he went as far as to remark at the Australian Senate that “people have a right to be bigots”.
The Opposition immediately said the proposed changes could allow “some forms of racism”, with Labour leader Bill Shorten urging the Jewish community to make its voice heard in the debate.
Among others, a group of indigenous leaders have called on Mr Brandis to include safeguards in the review, insisting the act should be strengthened, not weakened.
The Maltese Community Council of NSW, which represents 13 organisations, sent a letter to the government “strongly” objecting that section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act be repealed. This article makes it unlawful for someone to do something that was “reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate” others because of their race or ethnicity.
Section 18D, which allows exemptions to protect free speech, including artistic works and scientific debate, “done reasonably and in good faith”, will be amended.
Mr Brandis’ review would significantly widen the exemptions in 18D, removing the provision declaring that public debate be done reasonably and in good faith. Instead, under new provisions, it would be unlawful to “vilify” or “intimidate”.
In its letter, the Maltese council said bigots were not the persecuted minority whose rights needed protection. It added that, just like any democratic right, freedom of speech came with responsibility and the rights of the most marginalised must always be protected.
“Australia is not a homogenous society. It is multicultural in its very foundation.
“We have harmony and respect for the minority.
“It is an essential feature of this country of ours,” it said, appealing to Mr Brandis not to undermine the foundation of common decency by supporting changes to race-hate laws that could destroy Australia’s moral compass.
The Voice, which took over where The Maltese Herald left off after 51 years of publication last year, has endorsed the council’s call, insisting that Mr Brandis’ proposals were “dangerous and a huge mistake”.
Edited by former Times of Malta journalist Lawrence Dimech, the newspaper did not want a “divided, uncaring” Australia, noting that the day when a government tacitly accepted bigotry would be a sad day.