Queensland is set to ban the slogan “from the river to the sea” under new hate speech reforms proposed in the wake of the Bondi beach terrorist attack.
Should its parliament pass the legislation, the state will become the first in Australia to ban the phrase which has been widely adopted by anti-Israel protesters.
Critics of the slogan argue it calls for the elimination of Israel.
The phrase “globalise the intifada” will also be outlawed in Australia's second-largest state if the new legislation passes.
Many view that phrase, which is often chanted at anti-Israel rallies, as a call for violence against Jews.
Announcing the proposed new laws on Sunday, the state's premier, David Crisafulli, said the legislation was a direct response to the Bondi attack, in which 15 people were killed during a Chanukah celebration.
The attack on December 14 was Australia's worst mass shooting since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Confirming the phrase “globalise the intifada” will also be included in the planned ban, attorney general, Deb Frecklington, said: “These sayings have no place in Queensland, when they are used to incite hatred, offence and menace.”
The proposed legislation includes a new offence prohibiting the public distribution, publication, display or recitation of proscribed phrases, where the conduct is intended to cause menace, harassment or offence.
The display of hate symbols, chanting terrorist slogans, harassing worshippers or damaging places of worship could lead to up to five years in prison, under the proposed law.
Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg welcomed the suggested new laws.
He said the reforms would send a clear message that "antisemitism and hate have no place in Queensland".
“Our community greatly appreciates the commitment by the Crisafulli Government to ensure Jewish Queenslanders can live, work and play just like any other Queenslander.
“This Bill moves beyond words and delivers real, practical protections for our community and for all people targeted by hate,” he went on, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
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