by Chris Merritt | Jul 4, 2025 | 18C, Anti-Semitism, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Freedom of Speech, Media Article
The real lesson from this week’s Federal Court ruling against Islamic hate preacher Wissam Haddad is not to be found in the judgement. It is to be found in the fact that federal and state authorities were mere spectators during this case, sitting back and watching as...
by Chris Merritt | Jun 26, 2025 | 18C, Anti-Semitism, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Freedom of Speech, Media Article
Antoinette Lattouf’s victory over the ABC has unleashed a powerful new legal principle that looks set to redefine the boundaries of freedom of communication. And not necessarily in a good way. Unless handled with care, this principle could be twisted into a workplace...
by Chris Merritt | Jun 6, 2025 | 18C, Anti-Semitism, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Freedom of Speech, Media Article
Next week, when Islamic cleric Wissam Haddad appears in court to defend his remarks about Jews, his arguments should cause a moment of reflection – and embarrassment – on both sides of politics. There is every chance this case will expose weaknesses and...
by Chris Merritt | Oct 4, 2024 | 18C, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Freedom of Speech, Media Article
Late last year it should have been apparent to federal parliament that law alone might not be enough to prevent terrorist sympathisers displaying public support for banned organisations. Yet here we are, days away from what could be damaging displays of public support...
by Chris Merritt | Sep 13, 2024 | 18C, Attorney General, Chris Merritt, Commentary, Freedom of Speech, Media Article
Mark Dreyfus has taken a big step in the right direction with federal hate-speech laws that target the most serious threat confronting the Jewish community. And he has done so while avoiding over-reach and eliminating a get-out-of-jail card for hate preachers that...
by Chris Merritt | Apr 25, 2024 | 18C, Chris Merritt, Freedom of Speech, Media Article
The fight between Anthony Albanese and Elon Musk is not merely about whether Australians should be permitted to see a shocking video of a bishop being stabbed. The outcome of this dispute will help determine a much bigger issue: do we want the federal government to be...
