Under the proposed amendment to the Racial Discrimination Act released by the government today anyone can racially insult or humiliate someone as much as they like.

With extraordinarily broad exemptions, it will also be virtually impossible to prosecute anyone who does meet the Government’s extremely high bar for racial vilification and intimidation.

It is a fundamental weakening of the laws which prevent racism in our society.

Firstly, the Government seeks to make it unlawful to vilify or intimidate someone on the basis of their race – but the bar has been raised so high, intimidation only applies if you actually fear for your physical safety.

Attorney-General George Brandis has shown no understanding that the emotional and psychological damage of everyday racism is every bit as harmful as physical threats.

via Comment: Opening the floodgates of racism and bigotry | SBS News.