Premium Content:

Greens: New laws must not undermine anti-discrimination protections

The Australian Greens have responded to the news that Prime Minister Scott Morrison is aiming to introduce a Religious Discrimination Act to Parliament early next year.

- Advertisement -

The Greens say that such an Act must not be used to undermine or override state based anti-discrimination laws following the release of the government response to the Ruddock Review.

Greens’ Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim says that religious freedom should not be used as “a political weapon in an act of vengeance for the marriage equality vote.”

“Attorney-General Christian Porter has made it clear today he intends to override strong, state-based anti-discrimination laws which protect people from harm – this cannot be allowed to happen.”

“We need a Charter of Rights to balance the right to religious freedom against other important rights, such as freedom from discrimination.”

Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson Senator Janet Rice adds that the Prime Minister’s proposed Religious Discrimination Act must not be used as a ‘Trojan horse’ to discriminate against LGBTI people.

“Discriminating against someone because they are LGBTQ+ is not religious freedom, it’s discrimination. Plain and simple.” Senator Rice said.

“The Prime Minister has already demonstrated he is out of touch with Australians who want discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in schools removed. Freedom of religion is not a licence to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people.”

OIP Staff

Latest

Review | ‘Twinless’ is a psychological thriller with an original premise

'Twinless' is a psychological thriller with many twists and surprises.

On This Gay Day | In 1989 the LGBTIQA+ community rallied at parliament

In 1989 a huge protest took place on the steps of the WA parliament calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

‘Reckless’: New First Nations-led comedy thriller premieres this November

The new series from SBS and NITV brings the drama to Fremantle.

City of Vincent Film Project returns to celebrate local stories and creatives

The initiative highlighting local stories and supporting WA creatives is back for another round in 2026.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Review | ‘Twinless’ is a psychological thriller with an original premise

'Twinless' is a psychological thriller with many twists and surprises.

On This Gay Day | In 1989 the LGBTIQA+ community rallied at parliament

In 1989 a huge protest took place on the steps of the WA parliament calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

‘Reckless’: New First Nations-led comedy thriller premieres this November

The new series from SBS and NITV brings the drama to Fremantle.

City of Vincent Film Project returns to celebrate local stories and creatives

The initiative highlighting local stories and supporting WA creatives is back for another round in 2026.

Bibliophile | ‘The Warrumbar’ tells a story of Australia’s haves and have-nots

The year was 1969 when thirteen year-old Robbie rode three miles to high school, with one sister sitting on the handle bars.

Review | ‘Twinless’ is a psychological thriller with an original premise

'Twinless' is a psychological thriller with many twists and surprises.

On This Gay Day | In 1989 the LGBTIQA+ community rallied at parliament

In 1989 a huge protest took place on the steps of the WA parliament calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

‘Reckless’: New First Nations-led comedy thriller premieres this November

The new series from SBS and NITV brings the drama to Fremantle.