Australia Withdraws ‘Misinformation and Disinformation Bill’ But Free Speech Threats Remain

by David James | LifeSite News

The Australian Federal government has withdrawn its amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, known as the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill, after it became clear it would not pass in the Senate. It was an ignominious end for the proposal, which had been widely, and legitimately, attacked.

On the political right it was viewed as a threat to free speech that would weaken one of the foundations of Australia’s democracy. On the left, especially the Greens, it was seen as too weak. It is not likely to see the light of day again.

What was not pointed out is that it was perhaps some of the worst and most inconsistent legislation ever proposed in Australia. There were some technical legal objections, but little exposure of the core logical absurdities.

The proposed bill did not just cast doubt on free speech rights, which in any case are only weakly protected in Australia – unlike the United States which has Constitutional protections under the First Amendment. It would have undermined the foundational principle that everyone should be equal before the law. Read Full Article >