GREENS MLA Shane Rattenbury has announced his intention to again pit the ACT Government against the Commonwealth, this time on the vexed subject of racial villification laws.
“The Federal Race Discrimination Act specifically allows for State and Territory laws to operate concurrently with Federal laws, as long as they promote the objects of the International Convention to Eliminate Race Discrimination.
“When the ACT Assembly reconvenes in April I will call on my Assembly colleagues to support strengthening the ACT Act, and to write to the Abbott Government expressing our opposition to their proposed repeal of racial vilification laws.
“If the Federal Government doesn’t want to protect Australians from racism and bigotry, the ACT will ensure that it does, in support of a harmonious multicultural community, and in support of our international obligations,” said Mr Rattenbury.
Former Liberal Leader Zed Seselja has also expressed concern about the Commonwealth amendments.
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