The Greens have expressed concern over the the draft Religious Discrimination Bill released yesterday saying it  “goes too far and is a trojan horse for the Morrison Government to enshrine discrimination into law.”

Senator Janet Rice, the Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson said the proposed legislation was another example of the far-right section of the Liberal party trying to remove protections from LGBTIQ+ Australians.

“The far-right of Morrison’s party are still trying to get their way, chipping away at the rights of LGBTIQ+ people and other minorities.”

“Any Bill that comes to the parliament must ensure all Australians are treated equally. The bill should only act as a shield for people of faith, not as a sword to be used against other minority groups.” Senator Rice said.

Her colleague Senator Nick McKim, the Greens Justice spokesperson, said he shared deep concern over the proposed bill.

“The impacts of this bill are deeply concerning.”

“It weakens the Sex Discrimination Act and the Racial Discrimination Act and despite assurances to the contrary, the Government is explicitly undermining the protections of the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act.” Senator McKim said.

“This will expose people to being humiliated and intimidated in a way that is currently unlawful.”

Since being released yesterday the Religious Discrimination bill developed by Attorney General Christian Porter has faced a wave of condemnation. While LGBTIQ rights groups have voiced concern, some high profile religious commentators have also said the bill falls short of their expectations.

Former head of the Australian Christian Lobby, turned Liberal party consultant, Lyle Shelton said Christian Porter has failed to meet the needs of religious Australians.

“Most Christians are not looking to have their religion added to the anti-discrimination law regime so they can’t be insulted, offended or ridiculed. They just want to be free to live out their beliefs about marriage & gender without being sued.” Shelton posted to social media.

“Adding a religious freedom commissioner to the misnamed Australian Human Rights Commission, a bastion of anti-freedom PC orthodoxy, is a bad idea. Labor & the Greens will have a field day when it is their turn to appoint the next commissioner.”

The current head of the Australian Christian Lobby, Martyn Iles, said the legislation at first glance did not go far enough.

“While on the surface the bill appears to deal with some significant issues, the devil is in the detail.

“Those details mean there is no robust protection for people such as Israel Folau or Archbishop of Hobart Julian Porteous.”

Iles said the section of the legislation that overrides the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act were insufficient.

“Someone can still pursue a discrimination case if they feel harassed or vilified by a statement of belief.”

Iles indicated ACL’s intention to lobby for stronger laws.

“There is no doubt that the consultation process, especially with faith groups, has some way to go.

“We look forward to resolving these problems.” Iles said.

Morgan Begg, Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs appeared on Sydney radio overnight and said more legislation was needed.

In a media release yesterday the think tank called for stronger laws.

“The federal government’s plan to prohibit religious discrimination is a welcome start, but more work is needed to avoid counter-productive and unintended consequences which may limit rather than strengthen religious freedom.”

“Religious freedom is a natural human right which all Australians enjoy, it is not a gift from government. The only way to restore religious freedom in Australia is to repeal laws which impinge upon the free exercise of speech, association, and religion.” the IPA said.

Chatting on 2GB Begg said the proposal put forward was a “mixed bag” and there was concern that the Human Rights Commission would have the power to decide what constituted a religious belief.

OIP Staff