New Victorian laws will help combat hate speech, but there is still some way to go

Victoria’s landmark anti-vilification laws are a significant step forward for LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities and anyone discriminated against because of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. They put Victoria ahead of other states and territories by offering a stronger shield from hate speech under both criminal and civil law. The reform extends existing protections for race and religion to now include gender, sex, sexual orientation and disability.