Gillian Triggs

Push to weaken Racial Discrimination Act opposed by ethnic and religious groups

Groups are against change to 18C but welcome proposal by MP Julian Leeser to amend Human Rights Act.

Ethnic, religious and racial minority groups have rallied against a renewed push by conservatives to water down the Racial Discrimination Act.

Jewish, Muslim, Indigenous and Arab organisations, among others, say they are “deeply concerned” that changes to section 18C of the act will send a signal that racism is acceptable in Australia.

The combined expression of opposition mirrors a similar campaign launched during Tony Abbott’s politically disastrous effort during the last parliament to water down the RDA protections – a campaign that rattled Coalition MPs and led ultimately to the then prime minister backing off from the attempt.

Read the full article by Gareth Hutchens at the Guardian.