The Australian Christian Lobby has suggested the Ruddock Review into religious freedom may have been inadequate despite the reviews findings and recommendations not being made public.

Martin Illes, the Managing Director of the religious lobbying group, said comments made by panel member Father Frank Brennan on Friday showed that the process has bot been sufficient.

In a speech to a the human rights conference Father Brennan said he believed only minor changes would be needed to Australia’s laws to ensure religious freedom is protected in the wake of marriage equality being introduced.

Matrin Illes said the only outcome that would be acceptable would be a substantial number of new laws being introduced.

“The Review was undertaken because changing the Marriage Act has serious consequences for religious freedom. An adequate response must involve a substantial legislative reform program.” Illes said in a media release.

The ACL’s Managing Director said his organisation had come across many people who had found themselves in legal trouble due to a clash between their religious beliefs and Australia’s new marriage laws.

“The religious freedom concerns that need to be addressed are not hypothetical. ACL has already assisted more than 40 people of faith who have gotten in trouble with the law for their beliefs.

“Religious freedom reforms must guarantee freedom of speech, freedom for charities, organsiaitons, businesses, and parents to ensure they can continue to practice their faith without discrimination or marginalisation.

“Anything less will see the law being used to marginalise and intimidate people of faith for living out their identity.” Illes said.

OIP Staff