The AGE points out that the debate centres on section 18C of the act, with the wording transformed into a totem for culture warriors who seek, in the pungent phrase of Attorney-General George Brandis, "the right to be a bigot". The issue has erroneously been cast as a matter of protecting free speech.
Mr Turnbull has sought to justify the change by arguing "we are defending the law by making it clearer".
The paper argues this is a proxy campaign largely driven by a misguided belief Australian society should not change to reflect the rich diversity of its people and migrants.
And places an emphasis on that Mr Turnbull should stand for a tolerant and inclusive Australia, not undermine for the sake of his sagging political fortunes.
