Queensland Poised to Outlaw “From the River to the Sea” in Landmark Hate Speech Reforms
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Queensland is set to become the first Australian state to potentially criminalize the phrase “from the river to the sea,” as part of a sweeping overhaul of hate speech laws announced in response to the recent Bondi terror attack. The proposed legislation, unveiled by Premier David Crisafulli on Sunday, aims to combat rising antisemitism and protect religious communities, with a parliamentary vote scheduled for Tuesday.
The new laws will introduce a specific offense for the public dissemination of proscribed phrases intended to cause menace, harassment, or offense. Attorney General Deb Frecklington confirmed that both “globalise the intifada” and “from the river to the sea” will be included on the list of prohibited expressions. “These sayings have no place in Queensland, when they are used to incite hatred, offence and menace,” Frecklington stated.
Context from New South Wales
The move follows a similar inquiry in New South Wales, where a parliamentary committee last month recommended banning “globalise the intifada” when used to incite hatred, harassment, intimidation, or violence. However, the NSW inquiry stopped short of recommending a ban on “from the river to the sea.”
The phrase “globalise the intifada,” derived from the Arabic word for uprising, references Palestinian uprisings against Israel that began in 1987 and 2000. While used by pro-Palestine supporters, many within the Jewish community view it as a call for violence.
“From the river to the sea” refers to the land situated between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. The slogan is deeply contested, with critics arguing it implies the elimination of the state of Israel. Supporters, including Palestinian-American writer Yousef Munayyer, contend it expresses a desire for Palestinians to live as free and equal citizens in their homeland.
Penalties and Expanded Prohibitions
Individuals found distributing, publishing, displaying, or reciting a prohibited phrase could face a maximum penalty of two years in prison. The legislation also introduces a new offense related to impeding or harassing individuals attending religious services, carrying a potential three-year prison sentence.
Penalties for assaulting or threatening religious leaders will be increased from two to five years, and wilful damage to places of worship will now carry a maximum sentence of seven years. Furthermore, the existing ban on displaying hate symbols will be expanded to include Nazi emblems, flags representing Hamas and Islamic State, and the Hezbollah emblem, with the maximum penalty for displaying these symbols increasing to two years’ imprisonment.
Government Consultation and Response to the Bondi Attack
Frecklington emphasized that the government consulted extensively with the Crime and Corruption Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and Queensland police during the drafting process. Premier Crisafulli described the legislation as a “considered,” “calm” and “detailed” response to the tragic events at Bondi, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration. “We didn’t take a kneejerk reaction,” he said. “As a result, the legislation that will be tabled in parliament on Tuesday will be the best of its kind in the country.”
Crisafulli also indicated that the government would announce further measures regarding firearms control aimed at preventing terrorists and criminals from accessing weapons on Monday afternoon, despite his previous stance against participating in a national gun buyback.
Community Response
The proposed reforms have been welcomed by the Queensland Jewish community. Jason Steinberg, president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, expressed optimism that the legislation would enhance safety and restore confidence within the community. “For the past two and a half years, the Jewish community has endured unprecedented levels of hate, intimidation and fear, and the reforms send a clear message that antisemitism and hate have no place in Queensland,” Steinberg said. “This bill goes beyond words and delivers real, practical protections for our community and for all people targeted by hate.”
