The Impact of Hate Speech Laws on Public Discourse in Australia

2009年将是澳大利亚第一部针对仇恨言论的法律(新南威尔士州)颁布20周年。尽管仇恨言论法现在牢牢植根于澳大利亚的法律版图，并在某些司法管辖区扩展到基于宗教和性取向的诽谤，但它们仍然是支持澳大利亚多元文化主义、宗教宽容和尊重差异的政策的有争议的工具。考察仇恨言论法律对公共话语的影响--无论是有意的还是无意的--将为法律在21世纪的澳大利亚提供社会凝聚力的能力提供有价值的见解。

2009 will mark the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the first Australian laws (NSW) directed at the regulation of hate speech. Although hate speech laws are now firmly embedded in Australia's legal landscape, and have been extended in some jurisdictions to vilification based on religious and sexual orientation, they remain a controversial instrument for supporting Australia's policies on multiculturalism, religious tolerance and respect for difference. An examination of the effects of hate speech laws on public discourse - both intended and unintended - will offer valuable insights about the capacity of law to deliver social cohesion in 21st century Australia.