A ‘Sam Kerr clause’ and long jail terms: Victoria passes tough new anti-vilification and social cohesion laws

Exclusive: Australian state’s hate speech legislation includes safeguard allegedly inspired by Matildas star’s UK trial

The Australian state of Victoria has passed laws to crack down on hate speech, which include a so-called “Sam Kerr clause” to prevent the harsh new penalties from being used to punish the people they are intended to protect.

Those found guilty of serious vilification offences, such as inciting hatred or making physical threats, will face up to five years in prison after the “anti-vilification and social cohesion” bill passed state parliament on Wednesday.