The government's three-year-long battle to alter the wording in 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act came apart on Thursday when the Senate knocked back the proposed changes.
In a late vote on Thursday night, the bid to make it lawful to offend, insult and intimidate others on the basis of race was shut down by Labor, the Greens and a mixed-bag of crossbenchers, 31-28.
ttorney-General George Brandis described the defeat as a "sad day", telling the chamber the debate had become more serious and "sinister" since Labor had extended 18C's provisions to include sexuality, disability and age.
However, it has turned out once again that majority of voters have opposed the 18C changes including the Labor, and the Greens and some Senate crossbenchers. Even state politicians are not an exception. One of them is Luke Foley, NSW Labor leader.
He has explained about why he has to oppose the changes, in an interview with SBS Radio Korean Program's senior producer Leah Na.
