Demand no mandatory jail terms for environmental protesters

  • by: Georgina B
  • recipient: Will Hodgman, Premier and Paul Harriss, Resources Minister

The Tasmanian state government is about to turn democracy on its head.

The state Liberal government will introduce new laws that could see mandatory three-month prison sentences imposed on environmental protesters. The new laws would also include fines for those who incite and encourage protests.

The laws will impose a $2,000 fine for someone who is found invading or hindering a business. However, the penalty will increase to $5,000 if it goes to court with a subsequent guilty verdict.

A second offence will see protesters jailed for a mandatory three-month term, with a potential two year maximum.

It is a fundamental principle of democracy that people have the right to peacefully protest without fear of mandatory imprisonment. It is also essential that the separation of parliament and the judiciary is maintained.

Please sign the petition to demand the Tasmanian government does not introduce mandatory sentencing.

 

 

 

 

Update #19 years ago
27/6 Anti-protest laws have passed Tasmania's Lower House after debate was guillotined the previous day.

The move has been criticised by opposition parties, civil liberties advocates and environmental activists.

Opposition Leader Bryan Green accused the government of gagging debate.

The bill will now be considered by the independent-dominated Upper House.

Greens leader Kim Booth accused the government of fascism and likened the legislation to that of the Nazis.
Sign Petition
Sign Petition
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.

Privacy Policy

By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.

Having problems signing this? Let us know.