The Greens are likely to withhold support for Labor’s hate speech bill and push for amendments before Parliament returns, aiming to protect freedom of expression for anti-Israel and anti-Palestinian protest speech.

Parliamentary inquiry chair Raf Ciccone points to Coalition disunity and a fragmented response as a barrier to presenting a coherent stance on the legislation.

The Nationals oppose some gun-control provisions within the bill, arguing it burdens firearm owners and distracts from antisemitism and gun reform issues.

The government is considering expanding the bill to cover LGBT people, disabled people, and other minority groups after emergency provisions pass in a two-day session, with Labor hinting at a Senate inquiry to examine broader protections.

Key Coalition figures opposing the bill include James Paterson, Tim Wilson, Angus Taylor, Jonno Duniam, and other right-leaning MPs who say the bill unduly restricts free expression and religion.

The article portrays a polarized process: the government seeks tighter hate-speech controls while the opposition warns of threats to free speech, amid internal divisions and strategic Coalition amendments.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has described the bill as unsalvageable, creating a high-stakes bargaining environment over its fate in Parliament.

The bill would extend anti-vilification rules to prohibit promoting hatred or conduct likely to cause fear or intimidation, a point of contention among civil liberties advocates and within Coalition debates.

Labor backbenchers have pushed for broader minority protections, signaling potential changes to the bill and possible inquiries to explore expansion.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly indicated constructive engagement with Greens leader Larissa Waters, signaling ongoing negotiations and likely developments in the coming days.

Senior Liberal MPs privately fear the hate speech provisions are too broad and could chill public debate, raising the possibility of amendments that Labor may resist.

Greens MPs plan to raise concerns and negotiate amendments with the Prime Minister, leveraging their influence to block passage in the Senate without full Coalition support.