Mark Dreyfus proposes protest laws to protect Australians Jewish schools and synagogues
Former Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus has suggested implementing protest-free buffer zones around Jewish schools and synagogues. This proposal follows a significant rise in reported antisemitic incidents across Australia.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between protecting minority communities from harassment and upholding the right to political protest.
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Share A A A Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus says Australia should consider banning protests outside synagogues and Jewish schools by introducing laws similar to those that protect abortion clinics.
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion opened a new block of hearings on Monday into Jewish community security, with counsel assisting Richard Lancaster, SC, saying Australian Jews had been under “constant threat” since October 7, 2023.
Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus. Alex Ellinghausen Commissioner Virginia Bell granted pseudonyms to a number of witnesses appearing on Monday to protect their identity, while others gave evidence in closed court.
One witness said the number of antisemitic incidents – ranging from abuse to threats and violence – reported to Jewish Community Security Groups hit an all-time high last year.
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