Summary
The phrase "From the river to the sea," used by pro-Palestinian groups, is now banned in Queensland, Australia. This ban was enacted after a mass shooting in 2025, and using this phrase in a way considered offensive could result in imprisonment. The legislation is part of efforts to curb antisemitism and includes reforms in gun laws.
Key Facts
- Queensland, a state in Australia, passed a law banning the use of the phrase "From the river to the sea."
- The phrase relates to a region between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.
- Pro-Palestinian groups use it to call for Palestinian rights, while some see it as a threat to Israel.
- The ban followed a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in 2025.
- The new law is called the "Fighting Antisemitism and Keeping Guns Out of the Hands of Terrorists and Criminals Amendment Bill 2026."
- Using the banned phrases could lead to up to two years in prison.
- The bill also bans the phrase "Globalise the intifada" if used offensively.
- There are differing opinions on the law, with some seeing it as necessary against hate speech and others as a limit on free speech.
