Premium Content:

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.

- Advertisement -

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

Latest

On This Gay Day | Mexican writer Luis Zapata was born

Zapata was one of the most successful and acclaimed gay writers in Mexican literature.

Pet Shop Boys turn Tina Turner’s lost track into a minimalist dance gem

The British duo has transformed long lost rock track 'Hot for You Baby'.

WA MP speaks at Melbourne rally urging people to support parties with gender critical policies

Sophia Moermond has urged people to vote for One Nation, Libertarians or People First in the federal election.

‘Invisible Boys’ star Joseph Zada cast in new ‘The Hunger Games’ film

The 20-year-old actor's career is going gangbusters.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Mexican writer Luis Zapata was born

Zapata was one of the most successful and acclaimed gay writers in Mexican literature.

Pet Shop Boys turn Tina Turner’s lost track into a minimalist dance gem

The British duo has transformed long lost rock track 'Hot for You Baby'.

WA MP speaks at Melbourne rally urging people to support parties with gender critical policies

Sophia Moermond has urged people to vote for One Nation, Libertarians or People First in the federal election.

‘Invisible Boys’ star Joseph Zada cast in new ‘The Hunger Games’ film

The 20-year-old actor's career is going gangbusters.

The Stella Prize shortlist is a great way to find a great book to read

Six remarkable books are in contentio nfor the award.

On This Gay Day | Mexican writer Luis Zapata was born

Zapata was one of the most successful and acclaimed gay writers in Mexican literature.

Pet Shop Boys turn Tina Turner’s lost track into a minimalist dance gem

The British duo has transformed long lost rock track 'Hot for You Baby'.

WA MP speaks at Melbourne rally urging people to support parties with gender critical policies

Sophia Moermond has urged people to vote for One Nation, Libertarians or People First in the federal election.