A controversial six-word slogan has effectively been outlawed in the Australian state of Queensland after parliament passed sweeping new hate-speech legislation aimed at addressing intimidation and antisemitic threats.

The measure specifically targets the phrase “from the river to the sea” and a second slogan, “globalise the intifada,” when used in ways that threaten, harass or menace members of the public.

Under the new law, individuals who use the expressions in such circumstances could face penalties of up to two years in prison.

Queensland’s government introduced the legislation following heightened concerns about antisemitic intimidation and public safety after a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney’s Bondi area late last year.

The tragedy, which killed fifteen people and injured dozens more, intensified calls for stronger legal protections against incitement and harassment targeting Jewish communities.

State leaders argued that the slogans had increasingly been used in demonstrations and public gatherings in ways that fostered fear and hostility.

By formally identifying the phrases in legislation, authorities sought to ensure law-enforcement agencies have clear legal tools to act when language is used to threaten or intimidate members of the community.

The law applies to both spoken and written forms of the expressions.

Chanting them at rallies, displaying them on placards, or posting them online could become criminal offences if authorities determine the language is being used in a manner that causes members of the public to feel threatened or harassed.

Supporters of the legislation say the reform provides stronger protection for religious communities and places of worship while maintaining existing safeguards for lawful expression.

The government emphasised that the prohibition is tied specifically to the use of the phrases as instruments of intimidation, rather than to political debate more broadly.

The final version of the bill was amended shortly before passage so that only the two specified slogans are covered.

Any future additions would require further legislation rather than administrative action.

The reform also included broader changes to public safety laws, including updates to firearm regulations and enhanced protections for community institutions.

Officials described the combined measures as part of a wider effort to strengthen security and ensure that public spaces remain safe for all Australians.

While some advocacy groups have expressed concern about potential impacts on political expression, the state government maintains that the legislation strikes a necessary balance between protecting freedom of speech and preventing language used to intimidate or incite hostility.

The new provisions mean that the once-common chant, long associated with protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, could now trigger criminal penalties in Queensland if authorities judge its use to be threatening or abusive.