A forum on racial discrimination will be held in Dandenong.
Isaacs MP and Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Hotham MP and Shadow Justice Minister Clare O’Neil, and Bruce MP Julian Hill will host the event in support of retaining Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act.
Section 18C makes it unlawful for a person to insult, humiliate, intimidate or offend someone because of their race or ethnic background.
The forum is in response to a push to remove the words ‘offend’ and ‘insult’ from the law in the interests of free speech.
Mr Dreyfus said the clause had “protected our community against racial hate speech for over 20 years”.
“There is no good reason that it should be changed now,” he said.
Human Rights Legal Centre executive director Hugh de Kretser will speak alongside the three MPs.
“I’m very proud to host this forum right here in the heart of Dandenong, one of the most multicultural places in Australia, built upon a respect for all people,” Mr Hill said.
“Government attempts to water down our race hate laws won’t create one job, or help one other person find a hospital bed, or deal with the problems of the aged pension – it won’t do any of that.
“It’s an intellectual exercise for people in Canberra.
“This forum provides an opportunity for local residents to have their say on this important issue and to fill out a submission to Parliament about these proposed changes.”
The event will run from 7pm on Thursday 8 December at The Castle, Hemmings Park, Princes Highway, Dandenong.
There is limited capacity. RSVP to julian.hill.mp@aph.gov.au or 9547 1444.
