Beazley joins chorus against sedition laws

[Violet_Crumble]

Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley has added his voice to the growing chorus of concern over proposed changes to sedition laws, saying they are unnecessary and vague.

The Government introduced an update to the offence of sedition, making it illegal to "promote ill will and hostility between different groups", as part of its anti-terrorism package introduced to parliament two weeks ago.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and Queensland Premier Peter Beattie have said the change makes the law too broad and threatens free speech. The Law Council of Australia shares their concerns.

Mr Beazley said the change had arrived out of left-field. It was not foreshadowed during Prime Minister John Howard's discussion with state and territory leaders in September.

"It's not necessary. It's got nothing to do with dealing with terrorists, frankly, so why put it in?" he told Southern Cross radio in Melbourne.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/beazley-joins-chorus-against-sedition-laws/2005/11/13/1131816835655.html

[velvet]

1. "different groups" ?

Like what, footie teams?

[Matilda]

2. There's also a clause against anyone "holding the Queen up to hatred

or contempt".

About half the population of this country holds the office of monarch
in contempt, but if we say so, we could be arrested? Get a life,
Johnny.

[Generarth]

3. so it's sedition now

to give the old aristocratic tart with the handbag and corgis a hard time now is it? What about that imbecilic and murdering swine Prince Phillip?