Australian state (ACT) passes blasphemy law to protect Muslims

[mralstoner]

The video is largely incorrect.  The anti-vilification (NOT anti-criticism) laws specifically says in part that you may not discriminate against or vilify someone based on disability, religion, race, sexuality, gender identity, and HIV/AIDS status.  There isn't anything in the law that says you can't criticize a Muslim or criticize Islam in general.  Vilification, under the law, means that you cannot take actions (yes, including speech) that would '...incite hatred, contempt, ridicule or revulsion'.

It isn't a perfect law, certainly, but it in no wise criminalizes criticism of religion.

Boru

I don't know the details, but I did see the word "offensive" in the article, and that's an open door for the victim to interpret any sort of criticism as offensive e.g. Muslims are often offended if you simply point out the violent facts of Mohammed's life, or quote the violent passages of the Koran.

There was a recent Australia-wide similar law that included the "offended" characteristic, so I wouldn't be surprised if this Canberra law is the same. (Yes, I know Canberra is not a state, I used to live there. A title must be short, not a thesis).