Despite almost universal opposition to their 2023 draft legislation, the Albanese Government’s ‘MisDis’ Bill is back on the agenda and it’s as bad as ever.
CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby, Michelle Pearse, said, “There is so much wrong with this bill. The definitions of “misinformation” and “serious harm”, together with the threat of severe penalties for digital platform providers who do not comply, are a dangerous recipe for over-censorship.
“The Government’s interpretation of ‘misinformation’ includes content that the digital platform provider would deem “misleading” and “reasonably likely” to “contribute to serious harm”. “Serious harm” includes “vilification” of a group distinguished by sexual orientation and gender identity. It also includes “physical injury” to an individual, which includes “spreading false information that attempts to undermine and reverse the rights of women and LGBTIQ+ people – by implying that these rights are coming at the expense of other groups.”
“In other words, Facebook, Instagram, X, or any other digital platform provider would be forced to remove content and silence legitimate concerns of Australians regarding the dangers of the use of puberty blockers on gender-dysphoric children, or any criticism of trans ideology that allows biological men into women’s changerooms, DV shelters or prisons. Opinions and concerns that differ from the government’s position on such issues can be deemed as vilification and banished from the public square.
“Digital platforms can be penalised for non-compliance with government expectations but not for over-censorship. There’s no knowing where this will end.”
Mrs Pearse concluded, “Instead of safeguarding the free speech of Australians, the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) will be kept busy requiring digital platforms to control public discourse. In essence, ACMA becomes an Orwellian ‘Ministry for Truth’. From public health to politics to the economy and ideology, ACMA will determine what Australians are, and are not, allowed to say online.”
The Australian Christian Lobby is calling on all federal members to vote against this outrageous bill and to stand up our right to freedom of speech, without which we have no democracy.
