Australia is now banning political organisations under new “hate” and “extremism” laws.
The argument is that excluding extremists makes society safer, but democracy itself can moderate political movements.
Political scientists call it the inclusion moderation thesis. Once movements have to win votes, persuade ordinary people, defend themselves publicly and participate in institutions, they face pressure to replace extremism with politics.
Sinn Féin and the IRA are an obvious modern example of that process.
If the stated objective is reducing extremism, then we should be encouraging more democracy not less.
So stand up for free speech and democracy on August 30 and March with us for Australia.
From March For Australia (X)
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