Inciting hatred, contempt or ridiculing someone because of their religious beliefs is set to become a crime in New South Wales (NSW).
The NSW government has flagged plans to introduce legislation prohibiting vilification on the grounds of religious belief, affiliation or activity.
Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper says religious vilification is on the rise.
“This is unacceptable,” he said on Wednesday.
“Members of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh faiths have all raised concerns about the growing levels of intolerance towards members of their communities.”
The legislation would provide faith communities with similar protections granted to members of diverse and multicultural communities….