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Religious Anti-Vilification Laws: Gatekeeping Freedom Of Religion And Freedom Of Speech In Australia, Neil J. Foster

Neil J Foster

Freedom of religion and freedom of speech, two fundamental human rights, intersect and may clash when the law prohibits “vilification” of others on the basis of their religion, especially if the word is defined broadly enough to include mere offence or annoyance. The paper addresses the current state of religious “anti-vilification” laws in Australia, and recent important appellate decisions on freedom of speech, to discuss whether current laws adequately provide an appropriate balance in this important area of public life.