Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 - SECT 4

Objects of Act

4. Objects of Act



(1) The objects of this Act are-

   (a)  to promote the full and equal participation of every person in a
        society that values freedom of expression and is an open and
        multicultural democracy;

   (b)  to maintain the right of all Victorians to engage in robust discussion
        of any matter of public interest or to engage in, or comment on, any
        form of artistic expression, discussion of religious issues or
        academic debate where such discussion, expression, debate or comment
        does not vilify or marginalise any person or class of persons;

   (c)  to promote conciliation and resolve tensions between persons who (as a
        result of their ignorance of the attributes of others and the effect
        that their conduct may have on others) vilify others on the ground of
        race or religious belief or activity and those who are vilified.

(2) It is the intention of the Parliament that the provisions of this Act are
interpreted so as to further the objects set out in sub-section (1).