Something all users should read, but particularly those in this board after some recent displays of particularly distasteful, petty behaviour.
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The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 values freedom of expression and the ability of all citizens to participate equally in society. However, it acknowledges that vilifying conduct can reduce peoples ability to participate. In describing the unlawful conduct involved in racial vilification (section 7) the Act states that a person must not, on the ground of the race of another person or class of persons, engage in conduct that incites hatred against, serious contempt for, or revulsion or severe ridicule of that other person or class of person.
The behaviour may be a single act or acts over a number of occasions, and may occur in or outside Victoria. The Act makes specific reference to it including the "use of the internet or e-mail". A person is also prohibited from encouraging, authorising, or assisting another person to act in a racially vilifying manner under the Act (section 15).
The following web sites provide further useful information in this area:
1. www.eoc.vic.gov.au This is the web site of the Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria. It has links to brochures on various topics, including one on resolving race complaints and others on racial vilification.
2. www.hreoc.gov.au This is the web site of the Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. It has a section specifically dedicated to racial discrimination. Within this there is a section on cyber-racism that discusses how racially offensive material on the internet may violate the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
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We have tried to allow some of the racist comments stand so that other users can see the stupidity that can breed if left unchecked. But from here on in we'll be taking harsh action on anything we see that might violate the various Acts in place.
This is the law.
If we are ordered to reveal your identity to the police or other authorities under the terms of the various Acts we won't be fighting it too hard. These Acts include the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Vic), the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cwth), the Racial Hatred Act 1999 (Cwth).
If you cannot discuss issues dealing with race and religion in a thoughtful rather than emotive manner this entire board will simply be suspended. I can't afford the fines - can you?
***
The Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 values freedom of expression and the ability of all citizens to participate equally in society. However, it acknowledges that vilifying conduct can reduce peoples ability to participate. In describing the unlawful conduct involved in racial vilification (section 7) the Act states that a person must not, on the ground of the race of another person or class of persons, engage in conduct that incites hatred against, serious contempt for, or revulsion or severe ridicule of that other person or class of person.
The behaviour may be a single act or acts over a number of occasions, and may occur in or outside Victoria. The Act makes specific reference to it including the "use of the internet or e-mail". A person is also prohibited from encouraging, authorising, or assisting another person to act in a racially vilifying manner under the Act (section 15).
The following web sites provide further useful information in this area:
1. www.eoc.vic.gov.au This is the web site of the Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria. It has links to brochures on various topics, including one on resolving race complaints and others on racial vilification.
2. www.hreoc.gov.au This is the web site of the Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. It has a section specifically dedicated to racial discrimination. Within this there is a section on cyber-racism that discusses how racially offensive material on the internet may violate the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
***
We have tried to allow some of the racist comments stand so that other users can see the stupidity that can breed if left unchecked. But from here on in we'll be taking harsh action on anything we see that might violate the various Acts in place.
This is the law.
If we are ordered to reveal your identity to the police or other authorities under the terms of the various Acts we won't be fighting it too hard. These Acts include the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 (Vic), the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cwth), the Racial Hatred Act 1999 (Cwth).
If you cannot discuss issues dealing with race and religion in a thoughtful rather than emotive manner this entire board will simply be suspended. I can't afford the fines - can you?

