I am deeply concerned about the Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. This Bill is heavy handed and anti-free speech. Freedom of opinion and expression are pillars of a free and democratic society and should not be curbed by State censorship or police intervention. Nobody should face the prospect of prison time for expressing an opinion or exercising their right of free speech! Please reject this Bill when it comes time for you to vote.

I’m writing to let you know that I strongly oppose the Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. Freedom of speech is fundamental to western civilised nations such as ours. The Government’s Bill will potentially criminalise any public act where a Queenslander expresses an opinion or thought deemed as ‘hateful’ through social media or an written or spoken media. This bill is disastrous and unacceptable for all freedom loving Queenslanders! Please use your vote to oppose this legislation.

The Attorney General’s Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 is dangerous and completely disregards the rights of individuals to express their thoughts and opinions through any public media. No peace-loving person condones outrageous expressions of hatred, but the consequences of introducing a bill that potentially criminalises speech and expression are far greater than the consequences of surrendering our rights to freedom of speech and expression. Please reject the Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 in its entirety.

The Criminal Code (Serious Vilification and Hate Crimes) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 is ill-conceived and does not belong in a free and democratic society. The Legal Affairs and Safety Committee has done Queenslanders a disservice by recommending this bill be passed. Hard fought freedoms should not be placed on the altar of totalitarianism. Queenslanders reject the complete and unrestricted power of government and police to determine what can and cannot be said in a public forum. I urge you to listen to your conscience and reject this bill in its entirety.