A trial is underway testing the boundaries of hate speech. Lawyers for Pauline Hanson saying she told the federal Greens deputy leader to 'go back to Pakistan' in response to a provocative, offensive tweet about the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Council of the City of Sydney

A trial examining the limits of hate speech has been initiated following comments made by Pauline Hanson in response to Senator Maureen Faruqi's tweet about Queen Elizabeth II's death. Hanson, known for her controversial statements, allegedly told Faruqi to "go back to Pakistan" after Faruqi expressed an inability to mourn the Queen, referring to the British Empire as racist and built on stolen lives. This exchange has sparked a legal battle over what constitutes acceptable free speech.

At the heart of the case is whether Hanson's retort crosses into hate speech territory. Senator Faruqi, the deputy leader of the federal Greens and a vocal figure at pro-Palestinian rallies, claims the backlash from Hanson's tweet led to severe distress and threats of violence against her, including threats to her life. She accuses Hanson of instigating racism and seeks $150,000 in damages for the harm caused, proposing the amount be donated to charity.

The defense for Hanson is preparing to challenge Faruqi's stance, hinting at a potential accusation of hypocrisy against her. Hanson's lawyer, Sue Krasanthu, indicates they will argue Faruqi herself has made potentially offensive remarks, although Faruqi insists such was never her intent. Hanson’s representation will likely argue her comments are protected under the guise of political speech.

The trial, which is taking place in the federal court and is scheduled to last five days, is bringing to light the complex dynamics between free speech and hate speech. Faruqi plans to bring forward expert testimony to underscore the damaging impact that telling migrants to "go back to where they came from" can have on immigrant communities. The outcome of this legal confrontation could have broader implications for the boundaries of speech and political discourse.



Death of the Queen led to alleged 'hate speech' by Senator

courtroom showdown between senators from opposite political ends, a test case for what counts as legitimate free speech. And it has its origins in, of all things, the death of the Queen. The palace has just issued this statement. On that September morning in 2022, Senator Maureen Faruqi tweeted that she could not mourn a woman who has led a racist empire that was built on stolen lives. Within hours, Pauline Hanson had tweeted a response, Your attitude appalls and disgusts me. Pack your bags and pee off back to Pakistan. Senator Faruqi says that unleashed a torrent of abuse, leaving her with sleepless nights and great distress. Among the many vile messages were threats to cut her throat. Senator Faruqi says Pauline Hanson has a history of racism, and the threats that followed her tweet were entirely predictable. The Greens deputy leader says Pauline Hanson has breached the Racial Discrimination Act. She's seeking $150,000 in damages to be paid to charity. But as Senator Faruqi took the stand, Pauline Hanson's lawyer was ready to strike. Senator Faruqi, who's been prominent at pro-Palestinian rallies, conceded under cross-examination she has made statements that may have offended others, though she says that is not her purpose. Sue Krasanthu for Pauline Hanson says she'll be putting to Senator Faruqi that she is a hypocrite, and she's only against certain forms of racism. Pauline Hanson will argue her speech is protected as political opinion. The trial is set for five days in the federal court. Free, free Palestine. Senator Faruqi will call three expert witnesses to explain how language that effectively tells migrants to go back where they came from has a pernicious and deeply harmful effect in migrant communities. Hugh Rimington for 10 News First.

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