This video concerns two bills introduced into the NSW Parliament to address an increase in racial and religious hatred, particularly involving places of worship and graffiti.
It addresses the Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025 (NSW) - which makes it an offence to block access to places of worship or harass or intimidate those seeking to enter or leave the place of worship. The Bill also includes a power for police to issue 'move-on' orders to those who are blocking or intimidating people outside places of worship.
The video also addresses the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill 2025 (NSW) which makes minor changes, including increasing penalties, concerning existing offences.
The video then addresses the key reform that was promised, but not included in this package - establishing a new criminal offence of intentionally inciting racial hatred. The video discusses the NSW Law Reform Commission's report on the issue "Serious racial and religious vilification' (Report 151, September 2024) (lawreform.nsw.gov.au/completed-projects/recent/section-93z.html) and explains why the Commission decided not to recommend such an offence.