Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has told media that ‘religious freedom’ laws are a pressing issue for the government.
The Morrison government gave their official notice on a proposed bill today, outlining possible amendments to charity, anti-discrimination and marriage law, and the establishment of a Freedom of Religion Commissioner.
Speaking to ABC News on Tuesday, the Western Australian senator said “I do believe it’s a pressing issue to protect Australia’s right to religious freedom.”
“The Prime Minister and others have made very clear that this is something that we will pursue through legislation by the end of this year,” Cormann continued.
“At the right time, the Attorney General [Christian Porter] will obviously explain all of the ins and outs of what we’re proposing to do.”
The minister’s comments follow Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s appearance on 730 on Monday night, where he said he was confident he could introduce the legislation by the end of the year.
Morrison said the “finishing touches” were being applied to the legislation and he was hopeful it would be presented to the parliament before the end of the year, and he hoped the Labor party would take a “practical approach”.
“I’d would like to see this issue progressed with a sensitivity, a sense of cooperation and with a sense of balance, that’s certainly what I’ll be working to do.”
Referring to the case of rugby player Israel Folau, the Prime Minister said a balance needed to be struck between the requirements employers and on their staffs and their private and personal beliefs.
“I think it’s important ultimately that employers have reasonable expectations of their employees and that they don’t impinge on their areas of private practice, and private belief or private activity,” the PM said.
Veteran LGBTIQ+ activist and marriage equality campaigner Rodney Croome has raised concerns about the proposed bill, which would see amendments to existing marriage and anti-discrimination laws.
“Amending existing marriage, charities and discrimination laws to allow ‘religious freedom’ can only mean more discrimination against LGBTI people and others who fall foul of traditional religious precepts,” Croome said on Twitter.
“The Prime Minister says people of faith shouldn’t feel “intimidated.” Neither should LGBTI people suffer discrimination and hate in the name of religion.”
OIP Staff
