Australian MPs and Jewish leaders demand tougher laws to curb hate preachers

One Nation, Labor and teal members of parliament, together with Jewish community leaders, have pressed the government for new powers to curb hate preachers after Melbourne cleric Abu Ahmad urged followers to take up arms against Christians and Jews. Wentworth MP Allegra Spender said the incident illustrates why stronger, uniform hate-speech laws are required and urged the royal commission to recommend such measures. Pauline Hanson added that federal authorities need the ability to close extremist mosques and prayer centres, and to equip ASIO and one outlet with targeted powers.

The call comes as the earlier Labor-proposed anti-vilification legislation, abandoned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following the Bondi massacre, resurfaces. Experts such as Peter Wertheim and Justice Ian Jackman argue current laws make it hard to prosecute incitement, while religious figures like Archbishop Anthony Fisher warn the balance between free speech and protection is off. The issue is further highlighted by a concurrent British foiled terror plot and remarks from US President Donald Trump.