Queensland is poised to become the first Australian state to ban the pro-Palestinian slogan "from the river to the sea" under newly proposed hate speech legislation. The sweeping reforms, announced by the state government in response to the Bondi beach terror attack, aim to curb extremist expressions and protect communities from incitement.
Legislative Response to Bondi Attack
Premier David Crisafulli confirmed on Sunday that the proposed legislation will be introduced to state parliament on Tuesday. He described the move as a direct reaction to the Bondi terror attack, which resulted in 15 fatalities during a Hanukkah celebration. "We called this out from the beginning, we said we'd act, and through this legislation, we are delivering a strong and considered response," Crisafulli stated.
Expanded Ban on Extremist Symbols
Under the new law, displaying hate symbols, chanting terrorist slogans, or harassing worshippers could lead to imprisonment for up to five years. The ban on extremist symbols will be broadened to include:
- The Hamas flag and emblem
- The Isis flag
- The Hezbollah emblem
- Nazi symbols
Additionally, the phrase "globalise the intifada" will be added to the list of proscribed expressions, with offenders facing up to two years in prison.
Controversy Over Slogan Meaning
The slogan "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" refers to the territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. It gained prominence after Israel's retaliatory war on Gaza, which has claimed at least 72,027 Palestinian lives according to Hamas-run health authorities.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington asserted, "These sayings have no place in Queensland, when they are used to incite hatred, offence and menace." However, activists counter that such phrases are calls for Palestinian freedom and human rights, not incitements to violence or the destruction of Israel.
Community and Government Perspectives
Jason Steinberg, president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, welcomed the reforms, stating they send a clear message that "antisemitism and hate have no place in Queensland." He added, "This Bill moves beyond words and delivers real, practical protections for our community and for all people targeted by hate."
Premier Crisafulli emphasized the legislation's purpose: "This is about drawing a clear line – and stamping out the embers of hatred that were allowed to burn unchecked for too long – to ensure we protect Queenslanders."
The proposed laws represent a significant escalation in Queensland's efforts to combat hate speech, balancing security concerns with debates over free expression and political slogans.
