Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced plans to unveil new hate crime legislation shortly, with subsequent reforms focusing on bail and violent crime sentencing.
Fraser emphasized that the upcoming legislation will not only fulfill campaign promises of safeguarding religious institutions from “obstruction and intimidation” but will also encompass measures aimed at protecting the broader community.
During the recent election, the Liberal party pledged to criminalize actions that impede access to or intimidate visitors of places of worship, schools, and community centers.
Reports from law enforcement indicate a concerning increase in hate crimes following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the ensuing conflict in Gaza.
Fraser hinted that certain aspects of the proposed bill might draw inspiration from hate crime provisions outlined in the previously proposed Online Harm Act, which did not progress due to the election disrupting the legislative agenda.
The minister outlined intentions to introduce additional legislation concerning bail and sentencing reform in October.