Are we encouraging a generation concerned only about terminology and the “right” way to express ourselves?
Have we become a society concerned only about political correctness?
The push to pass an Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Tolerance) Bill by the Hon. Peter Breen, albeit one that was drafted with the intention to promote peace and harmony amongst different religious groups, is merely scratching the surface of an issue that deals with people’s attitudes.
The proposed amendments to the Bill state that “it is unlawful for a person, by a public act, to incite hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of, a person or group of persons on the ground of the religious belief or activity of the person or members of the group.”
In light of the recent increase in tensions between religious groups, passing a Bill that could possibly curb public acts of hatred may be welcomed. But then, imagine a society where only civilities are exchanged and debates are only allowed if they do not offend anyone…imagine how much hypocrisy that could entail.
One can understand the rationale behind wanting to pass the Bill, and yet, what exactly is it preventing and how will it be enforced?
How does one agree on the definition of subjective expressions like “incite hatred”, “serious contempt” and “severe ridicule”?
All the Bill might be able to achieve is to force people to gloss everything over with a coat of honey when they wish to express their opinions. It does not change the innate attitudes of people.
Unless supporters of the Bill are able to prove they can mandate it and accurately define its terms, passing the Bill could be a futile exercise in promoting harmony. In the meantime, we should be more concerned about changing people’s attitudes towards each other. Jesus says to treat others as you would like them to treat you.
Can I say that? Or have I just incited hatred against non-Christians because I mentioned something Jesus said?
For more information on the Bill:
Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Tolerance) Bill 2005 (pdf file)
New South Wales Government Legislation Review Committee Digest
ABC Religion Report
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