After a contentious debate on Thursday night 30th of March, 2017 in the Senate at the Parliament House, Canberra, proposed changes to section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act was rejected by the House meaning the legislation will remain as it is.

The Government had wanted to replace the words “insult”, “offend” and “humiliate” in section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act with the term “harass”.

The Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA) applauds all Senate members who voted against the proposed changes and will continue to advocate against its repeal made in the future. We strongly believe in people’s right to express themselves freely but definitely do not condone using that freedom to insult, offend or humiliate minority community members” said Miriam Cocking, Chairperson of MCCSA.

We also thank all our communities for their support over the past few months in letting their Federal members know of their concerns and how their support contributed to this outcome.