If it weren’t so serious, it would be laughable. A code of conduct for a writers’ festival?

Yet that was the requirement asked of authors if they wanted, after having been invited, to take part in one section of the Bendigo Writers Festival. Understandably, many refused and did not attend.

The code was applicable to the festival’s La Trobe University’s events, which were going to be co-curated by Professor Claire Wright, who has resigned, as has Overland magazine editor Evelyn Araluen and academic and author Randa Abdel-Fattah. The code required of writers that they commit to La Trobe’s Anti-Racism Plan, which accepts the Universities Australia definition of antisemitism and, which critics say, stifles criticism of Israel. This definition is sourced from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. It is the definition antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal relied on in her recent report to the government, and which has been widely criticised.

In pulling out of the festival, one of the authors, Paul Daley said: ‘‘This is a shameful episode in Australian literary life.’’ Daley is being too kind. The code states of writers that they have ‘‘conversations that are inclusive, thoughtful and welcoming to diverse perspectives. Avoid language or topics that could be considered inflammatory, divisive, or disrespectful.’’

Of course, organisers can put in........

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