Removal of Section 17: Anti-Discrimination Act 1998

To the Honourable the Speaker and Members of the House, in Parliament assembled. The Petition of the undersigned Citizens of Tasmania: (1) Draws to the attention of the House that:- (a) Section 17(1) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998 makes it an offense to offend another person and is open to many interpretations; and (b) This section of the Act unfairly limits freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion - some of our most important and fundamental human rights. (2) Your petitioners note that:- (a) this section is now being used in an attempt to silence people and stifle debate on issues of importance to the state. Tasmanian Catholic Archbishop Julian Porteous, who supports preserving the current law regarding marriage, is a case in point; (b) such complaints and intimidation are an attack on the freedoms of all Tasmanians; and (c) this provision is one of the most restrictive of its type in the country and has no place in a healthy democracy. Your petitioners therefore request the House legislate to remove Section 17(1) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1998.