Chris Hayes MP, Federal Member for Fowler says he will strongly fight against proposed changes to the Racial Discrimination Act.
Mr Hayes says he is supporting the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) in the fight against the proposed changes.
There is a renewed push from a number of Federal Liberal MPs to water down the section of the act dealing with racial vilification.
“Last year, we held extensive debates across Australia with an overwhelming majority of Australians campaigning against the proposed repeal of section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act, relating to racial vilification.
“It is hard to recognise a need for reopening a conversation that has the potential to divide the nation and marginalise the most vulnerable groups within our community,” Mr Hayes said.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act, which was introduced to ensure social cohesion in an increasingly multicultural Australia.
“Since the 1970s, multiculturalism has had an enormous impact on the Australian society, greatly shaping and influencing our nation, its identity and values,’’ Mr Hayes said.
“I am proud to be a representative of the most multicultural electorate in the country.
“We know the impact that racism can have on our people: it is hurtful, it undermines our sense of personal security and safety and it alienates people from the broader community.
“The proposed changes to the Racial Discrimination laws do not threaten a specific identity but rather upset the entire Australian community, bringing into debate our identity and values.
“I will be campaigning strongly against these changes,” Mr Hayes said.
