Australia is rushing to criminalise hate speech. Will it work?

Following the Bondi terrorist attack, the Albanian government took swift action. One of the most important elements is a new federal crime of inciting racial hatred included in the draft. Combating Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act 2026. Parliament was recalled to introduce it.

The logic is simple. We criminalize hate speech because it causes harm. The intention is understandable. Hatred drives people out of public life. It creates fear. In extreme cases it fosters violence.

So, does criminalizing hate speech actually reduce hate? It’s not whether it sends a message or whether it’s morally right, but whether it changes behavior.