Queensland Bans Pro-Palestinian Phrases

0:00Here's more Sydney news for March 5th. Queensland has become the first state in Australia to ban the pro-Palestinian phrases from the river to the sea and globalize the intifada. People caught using them in public face up to two years in prison if the words are seen as menacing, harassing, or offending others. This new law comes after Australia's deadliest terror attack on December 14, when 15 people died and 40 were hurt at a Hanukkah event. On Bondi Beach, the law passed on Thursday under a bill aimed at fighting anti-Semitism and keeping guns from terrorists. Lawmakers watered it down at the last minute to avoid giving officials too much power over other speech. Now it targets only these two phrases when used publicly, like in chants, posts, or banners. Supporters say it protects Jewish communities from rising hate after two and a half years of fear. Critics call it an overreach on free speech, comparing it to dystopian controls. And some Jewish groups worry it could fuel more division by targeting Palestinian expression

1:02while ignoring other hate. Legal experts' note courts would decide if usage crosses the line, likely needing proof of real harm. Challenges are expected with groups planning court fights over free speech rights. Enforcement could strain police with vague rules on similar sounding words. A big test comes this Wednesday during a national student strike for Palestine at Parliament House. Lawmakers vow to keep protesting Israel's actions and may chant the ban phrases anyway, showing fierce pushback against what they see as a chilling effect on dissent. A message from our sponsor supports today's story. When you want calm, do not reach for your phone. Lay back and listen. S-O-L-L-I-SoliPillow.com