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.

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