The Guardian<\/em> reported.<\/p>\nThe VCAT ruling noted that Tayeh had been charged by police with four criminal charges for allegedly similar public comments two weeks before attending the rally in Melbourne\u2019s central business district on March 23.<\/p>\n
Vorchheimer is asking the tribunal to order Tayeh to publicly apologize for his remarks and pay $20,000 to a charity of his choosing, according to the report.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe notion of being labeled the derogatory term of \u2018terrorist\u2019 for something I have no responsibility for, and for that to be seen as normal, is gut-wrenching and soul-destroying to me,\u201d Vorchheimer said, according to the ruling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt dehumanized. I felt like the lowest of the low. I no longer feel safe going into the Melbourne CBD, given I am identifiably Jewish,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Judge My Anh Tran rejected in her ruling Tayeh\u2019s defense that \u201cZionist\u201d and \u201cJew\u201d are clearly distinct words.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was an observable antisemitic and pro-violent presence at the rally,\u201d the Australian Broadcasting Corporation<\/em> cited her as saying.<\/p>\n\u201cI do not accept that they can be excluded from consideration. Their conduct at this and previous rallies was open and expected. The Act requires consideration of the audience to whom the conduct was actually directed,\u201d the judge added.<\/p>\n
Another hearing is expected at VCAT on March 25, according to ABC<\/em>. Tayeh said he would appeal the decision.<\/p>\nInciting religious or racial hatred in Australia is punishable by up to three years in prison.<\/p>\n
Victoria passed the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act in 2001.<\/p>\n
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