Freedom for Faith (FFF), an interfaith group promoting religious freedom, has welcomed a proposed update to the Australian Labor Party platform. “As a whole, this platform is an improvement on the previous platform – which was itself a major improvement on policy platforms in the past. In particular, we are heartened by the commitment to Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which is the gold standard of religious freedom internationally, “ FFF reports.
FFF told The other Cheek that this and Labor’s last rewrite were improvements. They are keen to have members support the changes, to counteract some activists who want to water it down.
The proposed Labor platform states: “Labor will protect and promote the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in accordance with Australia’s international obligations, including our obligations under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
And “Labor recognises that the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief, to change a religion or belief, or not to have or adopt a religion or belief, is absolute. Moreover, Labor believes in and supports the right of all Australians to have and to manifest their religion or beliefs, and the right of religious organisations to act in accordance with the doctrines, tenets, beliefs or teachings of their faith. Such rights should be protected by law and, in accordance with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, subject only to such limitations as are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.”
The new platform recognises that the rights of people with protected characteristics intersect and proposes redrafting anti-discrimination legislation.
“• Labor will simplify federal anti-discrimination laws by consolidating them into a single piece of legislation – including a review of existing exemptions to ensure that they do not prevent access to essential social services.
“• Labor believes it should continue to be unlawful to discriminate against any person on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sex characteristics or sexual orientation.
“• Labor recognises that discrimination is often multi-layered, with people experiencing discrimination on the basis of intersecting attributes. This should be properly addressed in federal anti-discrimination laws and programs.”
“• Labor supports the Australian Human Rights Commission and its commissioners, including the important work they do to promote a more inclusive and respectful society.”
FFF would like to see the new Labor platform adopted. It urges Labor party members to write in support of the changes here https://alp.org.au/2023-draft-Platform The member consultation runs until June 23
They warn, “We can not take this draft platform for granted.”
FFF talking points include:
- Support for the proposed wording of the policy platform
- Particular support for upholding ICCPR Article 18
- The importance (as recognised in the draft platform) for people of faith to gather together and form organisations and institutions that act in accordance with that faith.
Freedom for Faith (FFF), an interfaith group promoting religious freedom, has welcomed a proposed update to the Australian Labor Party platform. “As a whole, this platform is an improvement on the previous platform – which was itself a major improvement on policy platforms in the past. In particular, we are heartened by the commitment to Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which is the gold standard of religious freedom internationally, “ FFF reports.
The proposed Labor platform states: “Labor will protect and promote the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion in accordance with Australia’s international obligations, including our obligations under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
And “Labor recognises that the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief, to change a religion or belief, or not to have or adopt a religion or belief, is absolute. Moreover, Labor believes in and supports the right of all Australians to have and to manifest their religion or beliefs, and the right of religious organisations to act in accordance with the doctrines, tenets, beliefs or teachings of their faith. Such rights should be protected by law and, in accordance with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, subject only to such limitations as are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.”
The new platform recognises that the rights of people with protected characteristics intersect and proposes redrafting anti-discrimination legislation.
“• Labor will simplify federal anti-discrimination laws by consolidating them into a single piece of legislation – including a review of existing exemptions to ensure that they do not prevent access to essential social services.
“• Labor believes it should continue to be unlawful to discriminate against any person on the basis of age, disability, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sex characteristics or sexual orientation.
“• Labor recognises that discrimination is often multi-layered, with people experiencing discrimination on the basis of intersecting attributes. This should be properly addressed in federal anti-discrimination laws and programs.”
“• Labor supports the Australian Human Rights Commission and its commissioners, including the important work they do to promote a more inclusive and respectful society.”
FFF would like to see the new Labor platform adopted. It urges Labor party members to write in support of the changes here https://alp.org.au/2023-draft-Platform The member consultation runs until June 23
They warn, “We can not take this draft platform for granted.”
FFF talking points include:
- Support for the proposed wording of the policy platform
- Particular support for upholding ICCPR Article 18
- The importance (as recognised in the draft platform) for people of faith to gather together and form organisations and institutions that act in accordance with that faith.