Terms of Reference
Participants
Submissions

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
THE REFERENCE
BACKGROUND TO THE REFERENCE
THE PROBLEMS
PURPOSE OF THIS DISCUSSION PAPER
OUTLINE OF THE PAPER
Footnotes

Chapter 2 : THE LAW OF BLASPHEMY
INTRODUCTION: THE CONCEPT OF “BLASPHEMY”
ORIGINS IN ENGLISH ECCLESIASTICAL AND COMMON LAW
RECEPTION OF THE OFFENCE IN NEW SOUTH WALES

The doctrine of reception
Reception of the law of blasphemy

Legislation
Common Law

Publication of the alleged blasphemy
The nature of the alleged blasphemy
The character of the words or material
Tendency to cause a breach of the peace
The limitation to Christianity
The intention of the author
The English approach
The Australian approach

Chapter 3: OTHER JURISDICTIONS
INTRODUCTION
THE LAW IN OTHER AUSTRALIAN JURISDICTIONS

Tasmania
Queensland
Western Australia
Victoria
South Australia
The Northern Territory
The Australian Capital Territory
The Commonwealth of Australia

Scotland
Ireland
Canada
New Zealand
United States of America
Papua New Guinea
Nauru
India
Fiji
The Solomon Islands
Vanuatu
Western Samoa
South Africa

Chapter 4: OPTIONS FOR REFORM
INTRODUCTION
OPTION ONE: RETENTION OF THE COMMON LAW

Policy arguments in relation to retention
Protection of God and religion
Protection of society
Protection of individual feelings
Protection of public order
Problems with the common law offence
Uncertainty over current status
Limitation to Christianity
Uncertainty over the elements of the offence
Sentencing and procedure
Provisional conclusion

The mental element
Protection of bona fide debate
“Breach of the peace” requirement clarified
Extension to other religions
Specification of a penalty
Indictable process requiring consent of the Attorney General or the DPP
Provisional conclusion

Insulting or outraging religious feelings
Incitement of hatred or violence on religious grounds
Summary