Use + Remix

Regressive laws

Across the globe, nations that claim to be democracies are implementing regressive laws that undermine core democratic values. : Michael Joiner, 360info CC by 4.0

Laws and policies that limit civil liberties, from immigration to free speech, are becoming more prominent in democracies around the world.

6 perspectives
Regressive laws

Regressive laws in democracies

Laws and policies that limit civil liberties, from immigration to free speech, are becoming more prominent in democracies around the world.

Special Report
Extinction Rebellion protesters target the headquarters of Santos, in Adelaide. Many assume the right to protest is protected by Australian law, but no specific legal protections for the right exist. : Matt Hrkac via Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/matthrkac/52919862300/in/photostream/) CCBY2.0

Australians might think their right to march in the streets is constitutionally guaranteed, but it isn’t.

Regressive laws

What Australia gets wrong about the right to protest

Australians might think their right to march in the streets is constitutionally guaranteed, but it isn’t.

Law
The NRC saw the revival of colonial legislation on the foreigner who needs to prove their citizenship, and the CAA allows for privileged access of Hindus. : Sanjeev Yadav CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The Indian Constitution has supported the movement towards a Hindu state by accommodating communal nationalism.

Regressive laws

How the Indian Constitution advances the Hindu state

The Indian Constitution has supported the movement towards a Hindu state by accommodating communal nationalism.

Law
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva confronts the task of reclaiming democratic values after his predecessor’s tenure undermined democracy with regressive policies. : Palácio do Planalto (Flickr) CC BY-ND 2.0

Brazil voted out the Bolsonaro government, but its impact on institutions hasn’t gone away.

Regressive laws

Lula’s mission to restore Brazilian democracy

Environment
A recent US Supreme Court decision upheld a law that allows the federal government to prosecute people for assisting undocumented immigrants. : Billy Wilson (Flickr) CC BY-NC 2.0

Border security is used in democracies like the US to silence advocates and threaten democracy.

Regressive laws

Regressive laws start at a nation’s borders

Law
Malaysia has an opportunity to revitalise its free speech values. : Deva Darshan (Unsplash) Unsplash License

Laws on freedom of expression have a chance for revision under a new government.

Regressive laws

Obstacles and opportunities for free speech in Malaysia

Law
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill (2023) not only retains but enhances restrictions on political freedoms. : Adam Jones, Flickr CC BY 2.0

Laws restricting basic freedoms may be made in the name of public order and national security, but they are often used against dissident voices.

Regressive laws

As laws expand their reach in India, political freedoms shrink

Law