Senior Liberals urge colleagues to oppose Labor’s fast-tracked hate speech and gun bill

Senior Liberals are urging colleagues to vote against Labor’s fast-tracked legislation in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, even as opposition leader Sussan Ley had for weeks called for urgent legislative action. Labor would need support from the Greens if the Coalition does not back the bill next Tuesday.

Members told Guardian Australia there were major splits emerging during a two-day parliamentary inquiry into the plan, with some Liberals and Nationals opposing both of its main elements: new provisions on aggravated hate speech and religious protection, and tightened gun laws. Andrew Hastie confirmed he would oppose the bill, calling it an attack on rights including freedom of conscience, speech and religion and urging the royal commission into antisemitism to finish its work before parliament acts.

Other MPs named as expressing reservations include Garth Hamilton, Henry Pike, Ben Small, Matt Canavan and Bridget McKenzie. Opponents cited concerns about carve-outs that would allow religious leaders to teach controversial texts and scripture. Shadow foreign minister Michaelia Cash warned the exemption could become a shield for hate preachers and chill free speech, while shadow home affairs minister Jonno Duniam warned of unintended consequences for preachers.

Key Topics

Politics, Labor Party, Bondi Attack, Sussan Ley, Andrew Hastie, Hate Speech Laws