Queensland is moving to ban a pro-Palestine phrase under new hate speech reforms introduced by local government.
The phrase 'from the river to the sea' may soon be banned in Queensland in direct response to the Bondi terror attack, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration in December.
The attack, which injured a further 40 people, was the deadliest attack in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur tragedy, in which 35 people were killed.
Premier David Crisafulli detailed the plans on Sunday (February 8), and the proposed reform is set to be introduced in parliament on Tuesday (February 10).
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The bill will prohibit the 'public distribution, publication, display or recitation of proscribed phrases', according to the Guardian, particularly when this is intended to cause menace, harassment or any form of offence.
"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 said.
"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."
Anyone using the banned phrase could face up to two years behind bars under the proposed laws.
What does 'from the river to the sea' mean?
The slogan, which in full reads 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free', is a reference to the area spanning from the Jordan River in eastern Israel to the Mediterranean Sea in the west.
Critics claim it calls for the elimination of Israel; however, activists say the political slogan calls for the freedom of Palestinians and in no way indicates any form of hate or violence towards Israelis.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington said: "These sayings have no place in Queensland when they are used to incite hatred, offence and menace."
Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg said the planned reforms will send out a clear message that antisemitism and hate 'have no place in Queensland'.
"Our community greatly appreciates the commitment by the Crisafulli Government to ensure Jewish Queenslanders can live, work and play just like any other Queenslander.
"This Bill moves beyond words and delivers real, practical protections for our community and for all people targeted by hate."
Topics: Australia
Callum Jones