Two pro-Palestinian protesters have been charged under Queensland’s new hate-speech laws, which came into effect on Wednesday. The arrests occurred during a small protest march outside the state parliament building, just hours after the legislation was enacted.
The new laws, passed by parliament last week, make it an offence to use banned phrases such as “from the river to the sea” or “globalise the intifada” if they cause “menace, harassment, or offence”. Offenders face up to two years in prison.
Liam Parry, from the Students for Palestine group, led the protest and was arrested shortly after explaining the phrase’s meaning to the crowd. He denied it was terroristic or antisemitic, calling it a “call for freedom and dignity”. A second protester, an 18-year-old woman, was later arrested at King George Square for wearing a shirt with the same phrase.
Police confirmed both were charged with recital, distribution, publication or display of prohibited expressions. Parry was released on notice to appear in Brisbane magistrates court on 8 April, while the woman received an adult caution.
