Christian Schools Australia has expressed its support for strong, targeted legislation to combat antisemitism and racial hatred, while urging the Federal Government to ensure new laws remain tightly focused and do not inadvertently restrict religious freedom or lawful expression.
CEO Dr Daniel Pampuch said the horrific Bondi attack underscored the urgent need for decisive action against antisemitism and violent extremism.
“Christian Schools Australia unequivocally supports robust laws to address antisemitism and racial hatred. Antisemitism is a uniquely persistent and dangerous form of hatred, with a clear and well-documented connection to violence and terrorism,” Dr Pampuch said.
“At the same time, it is essential that hate speech laws remain carefully focused on these genuine threats. Expanding their scope to capture contested social or philosophical debates risks weakening the effectiveness of the law and undermining public trust.”
Dr Pampuch said Christian schools must be able to continue operating in accordance with their faith and ethos.
“Christian schools exist to educate and care for students within a clearly defined religious framework. Ordinary pastoral practices—such as praying with a student at their request, teaching Christian beliefs, or engaging respectfully in good-faith discussion—must never be conflated with hatred or extremism,” he said.
“Australia can and must confront racial hatred while also preserving freedom of belief, freedom of expression and democratic debate. These values are not in conflict—they are foundational to a healthy, pluralistic society.”
Christian Schools Australia has joined other faith leaders in calling on the Prime Minister to provide assurance that proposed hate speech reforms will remain focused on racial and ethnic hatred, while broader issues continue to be addressed through existing anti-discrimination frameworks.
ENDS
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