We Used to be Journos ONLY FRAN: One month into QLD’s hate speech laws
Apr 3, 2026
A deep dive into Queensland’s new hate speech laws and how two banned phrases sparked controversy. Stories of artists being contacted by police and artworks removed are explored. Discussion of arrests, the law’s broad wording, and everyday chilling effects on speech.
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Artist Got Cops Call Over Art
- Artist James (Nordacious) got a police call warning he could face two years' prison and removed three artworks from his site.
- The works included pop-art images referencing “from the river to the sea” and a woman arrested wearing that slogan.
Law Bans Two Specific Phrases
- Queensland criminalised two specific phrases: "from the river to the sea" and "globalise the intifada" when used publicly in a way that might menace, harass or offend.
- Reasonable excuses exist (art, education, religion) but the accused must prove them in court, shifting the burden onto speakers.
Protesters Arrested Immediately After Law Took Effect
- Bonnie Carter and Liam Parry were arrested hours after the laws took effect for wearing a singlet reading "from the river to the sea."
- The charge used a lengthy bill titled about fighting anti‑Semitism and keeping guns out of terrorists' hands.