Australian high court hears challenge against ban on far-right political party

The short version

• Lawyers for the outlawed White Australia party have challenged federal anti-hate laws in Australia's High Court, arguing they breach the constitution.[The Guardian]
• The organization was outlawed as an illegal hate group in May following an ASIO recommendation to the home affairs minister.[The Guardian]
• The designation makes joining, funding, or supporting the group a criminal offense carrying up to 15 years in prison.[The Guardian]
• The government contends the group's political party registration was a calculated move to protect racist speech from legal consequences.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The White Australia party, previously known as the National Socialist Network, was declared an illegal hate group in May following advice from ASIO to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.[The Guardian]
• Lawyers challenging the ban argued before the High Court that the anti-hate legislation breaches implied constitutional protections for political communication and the separation of powers.[The Guardian]
• Activities such as recruiting, funding, joining, or training with the banned organization carry criminal penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment.[The Guardian]
• Government submissions maintain that establishing a political party was an attempt to shield antisemitic and racist speech with legal protections.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Ban on neo-Nazi White Australia party is ‘authoritarian’ and breaches constitution, high court hearsThe Guardian - World