Late on Thursday the federal government’s panel looking into religious freedom in Australia made public 1,930 of the 16,000 submissions it has received.

Among the papers released is a submission from Western Australian religious leader the Reverend Margaret Court who is the head of the massive Victory Life evangelical church.

In her submission to the panel Reverend Court said she is concerned that, “as a nation, we are
forsaking foundational truths and the blessings that have made Australia great.”

Reverend Court calls on the government to provide greater protections for freedom of speech and freedom of religion, arguing that they are the cornerstones of society.

“Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion are foundational cornerstones of a democratic society and it is therefore imperative that we value, foster and protect them within Australia.”

The submission from Reverend Court includes a substantial essay from Dr Augusto Zimmermann, a Murdoch University law academic who argues that substantial legal protections are needed in the wake of changing the laws to allow couples of the same gender to marry.

Reverend Court argues that Christianity has shaped the Western World and needs to be protected.

The religious leaders has previously claimed that most same-sex attracted people have suffered abuse, and through her church she has been able to work with people who have gone on to have successful heterosexual relationships.

The Ruddock Review into Religious Freedom in Australia was set up by the Turnbull government during the parliamentary debate over same sex marriage legislation. The panel was expected to release its final report in March, but it will now be delivered in May.

OIP Staff