Christoan legal thinktank Freedom For Faith (FFF) reports positive commitments on religious freedom from both major parties in response to letters from religious leaders.
“The responses received are encouraging,” FFF’s Mike Southon has messaged supporters. He desribed the responses as a “big win”
Labor: “Legal protections for people of faith will not go backwards under Labor.”
Coalition: “Under a Dutton Coalition Government, religious Australians will not go backwards and freedom of religion will remain a cherished right in Australia.”
However, Chair of FFF, Anglican Bishop of South Sydney, Michael Stead adds that both parties should provide more detail. “We are pleased to see high level commitments to religious freedoms from both major parties, such as a commitment to not see protections for religious Australians go backwards and a commitment that religious schools will be able to continue to preference hiring staff that share their faith.
“Unfortunately, both responses were fairly weak on detail and did not engage with the substance of the detailed questions put forward in the letters from faith leaders.
“We are looking forward to working with all political parties and independents in the next term of government to protect religious freedoms for everyone.”
Here are details of responses recieved by FFF
Existing protections for religous freedom and Religious Discrimination Bill
Labor: “Legal protections for people of faith will not go backwards under Labor.
To the contrary, Labor has long supported an expansion of the federal anti-discrimination framework to ensure that Australians are not discriminated against because of their religious beliefs or activities.”
Coalition: “Under a Dutton Coalition Government religious Australians will not go backwards and freedom of religion will remain a cherished right in Australia.
The Coalition is committed to ensuring that freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom from discrimination, including on the basis of race or religion, are all protected and promoted.”
Freedom of speech, including religious speech
Labor: “Labor believes all Australians have the right to exercise their freedom of speech, while allowing others to live in dignity, and free from violence or the threat of violence. No Australian should be targeted because of who they are or what they believe.
“Conduct that urges or threatens the use of force or violence against individuals or groups in a manner which impacts their enjoyment of fundamental human rights and participation in society is not a legitimate expression of opinion…
We will continue to work across the community to foster respect, understanding and inclusion across all communities that contribute to our vibrant and resilient multicultural society.”
Coalition: “Whilst all Australians have a right to express their views, including people with controversial views, they must remain within the framework of Australian law.
“The Coalition will continue to oppose moves… to regulate and restrict free speech online.”
The right of faith-based organisations to prefer to engage staff and volunteers who uphold the faith of the organisation
Labor: “…we developed draft legislation to:
- prevent discrimination against people of faith;
- protect all students from discrimination on any grounds; and
- protect teachers from discrimination at work, while maintaining the right of religious schools to preference people of their faith in the selection of staff.
“In developing this legislation, we sought to extend protections to… people of faith, without removing or overriding any existing protections.
“We continue to believe that these reforms should be progressed on a bipartisan basis to ensure they are enduring, unifying and fit-for-purpose.”
Coalition: “A Dutton Government will support the rights of religious organisations, including faith-based schools when employing staff to preference those who adhere to the beliefs of the religious organisation. The Coalition believes Australians should be free to follow their religion, or lack of religion, without discrimination and that religious schools and bodies should be able to employ staff based on its values.”
The detailed questions from faith leaders and the full responses from Labor and the Coalition are at https://freedomforfaith.org.au/articles/commitments/