The Australian government has announced (via) plans to ban books and films deemed to “glorify terrorism” - a move designed to tighten its already strict censorship rules.

The government claims that this is part of a “zero tolerance” policy towards terrorism, but critics have pointed out that the rules will also lead to the censorship of material helpful to those wishing to understand radical Islam.

At present, it is illegal to publish or disseminate materials that promote, incite or instruct people to carry out terrorist acts. The amended law will significantly extend the censorship powers of the government by banning books and films deemed to speak out in favour of terrorist violence.

Civil libertarians have already been critical of the existing laws brought in by Prime Minister John Howard’s government, allowing the forced removal of books, claiming they limit legitimate research into terrorism and its causes.

As the Australian Society of Authors put it: “We can’t refute what we can’t read”.

But the government has dismissed these concerns, saying public safety overrides the issue of free speech.

What was that quote about giving up essential liberties to gain a little temporary safety?

Trackback this Post | Feed on comments to this Post