Criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu may be an offence under Australia’s new hate speech laws, Greens warn

Australia's newly passed hate speech bill, championed by Anthony Albanese and Tony Burke as a means to protect Australians, is facing criticism from the Greens. The Greens, led by justice spokesman David Shoebridge, warn the bill could criminalize reasonable expressions of contempt or ridicule. They are concerned the bill, amended after the Bondi terror attacks, grants excessive power to ban organizations and criminalize speech based on vague standards. Specifically, the Greens suggest critics of the Israeli government, including Benjamin Netanyahu, could be targeted for prosecution under the new laws. The Greens believe the bill represents an unprecedented expansion of political power.