Equal Opportunity On Line Training Module 1: Legal Overview

Racial and Religious Vilification

The purpose of the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (Vic) is:

1. to promote racial and religious tolerance by prohibiting certain conduct involving the vilification of persons on the ground of race or religious belief or activity; and
2. to provide a means of redress for the victims of racial or religious vilification.

Vilification Definition

Conduct that incites hatred against, serious contempt for or revulsion or severe ridicule of another person or group of persons on the grounds of their race or religion.

Conduct can be a single event or multiple events over a period, and includes the use of internet and e-mail to publish or transmit statements.

Exceptions Under The Act

Conduct which is reasonable and in good faith -

1. in the performance, exhibition or distribution of an artistic work; or
2. in the course of any statement, publication, discussion or debate made or held, or any other conduct engaged in, for any genuine academic, artistic, religious or scientific purpose; or
3. in the course of any statement, publication, discussion or debate made or held, or any other conduct engaged in, for any purpose that is in the public interest; or
4. in making or publishing a fair and accurate report of any event or matter of public interest.

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