Who was convicted in New South Wales' first transgender hate speech case?

Thomas Fordham, 27, was convicted for inciting violence and hate speech against transgender people.

What kind of threats did Thomas Fordham post online?

Fordham posted comments on YouTube that included calls for a 'genocide' and killing of transgender people.

How did mental health affect the sentencing of Thomas Fordham?

The magistrate acknowledged Fordham's significant mental health conditions, which influenced the sentence to a community correction order instead of jail.

Home / Crime and Justice / NSW Man Convicted of First Trans Hate Speech

NSW Man Convicted of First Trans Hate Speech

21 Nov

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Summary

First conviction for hate speech against transgender people in NSW.
Man posted violent threats on social media, calling for genocide.
Mental health issues significantly influenced the sentencing.

NSW Man Convicted of First Trans Hate Speech

In a landmark case, New South Wales has seen its first conviction for hate speech directed at transgender individuals. Thomas Fordham, 27, was sentenced to a 12-month community correction order for inciting violence and calling for genocide on social media between March and May 2024. His comments, posted on YouTube, were deemed a serious offense by the magistrate, despite being quickly removed.

Fordham's defense highlighted his intellectual challenges and social isolation, alongside a multitude of mental health issues, including ADHD and PTSD. These conditions significantly influenced the sentencing, with the magistrate stating he would have faced jail time without them. The court acknowledged the potential impact of social media algorithms on inciting violence.

This conviction is the first successful prosecution for gender identity vilification under NSW laws enacted in 2018. While similar offenses related to race and religion have occurred, this case sets a critical precedent for protecting transgender individuals from online hate speech. Legal advocacy groups note that such offenses are not uncommon, but reporting remains a barrier.