QCCL opposes assault on Free Speech in QLD

Criminalising slogans in peaceful protests particularly on the flimsy basis that the slogan may cause offence is a frontal assault on freedom of speech in Qld.

QCCL Vice President  Terry O’Gorman was referring to today’s announcement by the Qld Premier that the phrases ‘ globalise the intifada’ and ‘ from the river to the sea’ would be outlawed in public protests in Qld under laws to be introduced in the Qld parliament this week.

“The meaning of both of these phrases is highly contested. To many Jewish people the phrases are seen as slogans that can escalate tensions and fear. To those using the phrases particularly in anti Israel public demonstrations these phrases can be used to oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza and in the increasingly violent West Bank settler movement,” Mr O’Gorman said.

Mr O’Gorman said that where phrases such as these have ambiguous meanings dependent on the political viewpoint of the recipient and where their use is not accompanied by an incitement to violence, they should not be banned.

“Indeed, banning any slogan in public protests particularly gatherings that does not contain an immediate incitement to violence is an unjustified attack and limitation on freedom of speech” Mr. O’Gorman said.

“Particularly banning or criminalising a catch cry especially in public protest situations merely because it may “cause offence” is an affront to free speech rights which have quite properly been protected in Qld since the dark days of the Bjelke Peterson street  march ban in 1977.

The fundamental principle of freedom of speech in Australia, the UK and the US is that “ causing offence “ is an inevitable result of maintaining freedom of speech principles and rights.

Note: Terry O’Gorman can be contacted on 0418787182

9 February 2026