| It is now increasingly clear that these measures are not about public safety, nor about social cohesion. |
|
AFIC Warns Against Escalating Laws That Suppress Political Dissent on Palestine
The
Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) expresses deep concern
at the proposal by the Queensland Government to ban pro-Palestine
slogans under expanded hate speech laws. This proposal follows similar
legislative moves in New South Wales and at the Commonwealth level, and
confirms a troubling national pattern.
It is now increasingly clear
that these measures are not about public safety, nor about social
cohesion. They do not address genuine risks of violence, nor do they
respond to evidence of widespread disorder. Instead, they represent an
escalating attempt to suppress political dissent, particularly
opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and Australia’s failure to
meaningfully respond to ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian
people.
These laws will not stop people from opposing genocide. They
will not stop Australians from speaking out against injustice,
oppression and mass civilian harm, whether overseas or at home. What
they will do is undermine democratic participation, erode trust in
public institutions, and deepen the sense among many Australians that
certain political views are being singled out for punishment.
Dr Jneid, President of AFIC, said:
“These
laws have moved well beyond any credible concern for safety or
cohesion. They are now about silencing dissent and aligning Australia
with a state that is committing serious violations of international law,
while shielding that state, and Australia’s own complicity, from public
scrutiny.”
AFIC warns that repeatedly reframing political opposition
as a social risk or a form of hate sets a dangerous precedent. It
shifts contentious issues away from democratic debate and into the realm
of executive control, where discretion replaces principle and lawful
protest becomes suspect.
Dr Jneid added:
“Hundreds of
thousands of Australians have expressed deep concern and moral outrage
at what is happening in Gaza and Palestine. Governments would do far
more for social cohesion and public safety by listening to those
concerns and taking principled action, rather than attempting to
criminalise language, protest and political expression.”
AFIC
urges governments at all levels to abandon this path and to engage
honestly with the substance of public concern. Social cohesion is not
built by suppressing speech or policing conscience. It is built through
moral clarity, consistency in the application of law, and a genuine
commitment to justice and human dignity.
________________________________________
AFIC,
established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in
Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It
has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and
actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim
community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President |
