Concerns Raised That New Hate Laws Will Prevent People From Calling Referees And Umpires 'Fucken Blind'
WENDELL HUSSEY | Cadet | CONTACT As parliament rushes through new gun and hate laws, political commentators and social media users around
WENDELL HUSSEY | Cadet | CONTACT
As parliament rushes through new gun and hate laws, political commentators and social media users around the country have rushed to provide their two cents.
Much has been made about the news laws from all sides of politics, with the government quickly and hastily passing thrown together legislation that the Opposition demanded they throw together.
Criticisms have been levelled at the new laws from all sides, with gun owners furious about the changes and left-wing activists furious the laws can be used to clamp down on protest and freedom of speech.
However, in a rather interesting development that doesn't seem to have been considered by the major political parties, legal experts have pointed out that vitriolic abuse of sporting referees may now come with severe consequences.
"We are looking at a world were you could face jail time for calling a ref a stupid shit for brains cunt with painted on eyes," said Professor Phillip Wilson, from South Betoota Polytechnic Law School.
"Which is just beyond the pale, I think we can all agree."
"Obviously you shouldn't be abusing local referees, but when some AFL Umpire robs your team of a Grand Final match up with an appalling call, you should have the right to yell at the TV at full volume and say some heinous things to that umpire."
"And I don't think that's been taken into account in the government's new anti-hate laws."
Professor Wilson said that while he doesn't hope this is the case, the new laws are opening the door for a high profile test case.
More to come.