Australians will be able to make statements of religious belief under the protection of federal law in draft changes to a bill that sparked a warning about the risk to people who lose their jobs or suffer hurt because their sexuality is at odds with someone’s faith.
Equality Australia chief Anna Brown said the statement of belief provision would license “new forms of discrimination” by overriding state and territory laws and allowing remarks that would currently breach those laws.“All of the attempts to override state and territory and federal discrimination laws are extraordinarily unprecedented and extraordinarily dangerous in a democratic society like Australia,” Ms Brown said.
The new safeguard does not apply if the statement is malicious or something that a reasonable person would consider a threat, or would intimidate, harass or vilify a person or group. A note to the draft says the conduct might still breach the Sex Discrimination Act. While the government said teachers could not be sacked on the grounds of their sexual identity, Equality Australia disputed this and warned that LGBTQI teachers could be removed on religious grounds.
CroweDM To counteract this bill an anti religious discrimination bill is required. Let the two then fight it out in secular law
CroweDM How’s this for a statement of belief? From Stephen Fry with whom I completely agree:
CroweDM Science saves
CroweDM Misleading headline. It is a draft bill so surely the word is 'may' not 'will'. The hyopcrasy of the hard right Christian lobby never ceases to amaze me. Calling for an end to vaccine mandates in one breath then insisting on the right to religious discrimination in the other.
CroweDM It is purely to keep religious institutions viable and relevant as they know they are dying without it
CroweDM Thees a difference between personal faith and acting on it like a garbage human.
CroweDM We need to seperate the State and religion. I have no issue with religious groups being able to employ people who share their beliefs. But churches and religious schools and institutions should not receive any government money or tax breaks.
CroweDM Does that mean they can’t make statements of religious belief legally now? What if a school, due to their religious beliefs, demands that all women must wear a burka on their grounds? What if they refuse entry to a female paramedic due to such demands & a kids dies (gods will)?
CroweDM
CroweDM Social media has really fucked us up
CroweDM BigotryProtectionBill more like.
CroweDM I do think we have problems with free speech & debate - partly due to the woke Left but mostly due to Murdoch media. However, slapping a 'religious' label on something is not how to manage it. Above all, what a reflection this is on ScuMo that this is his legislative priority!
CroweDM Fark you Hill Song Dill!
CroweDM Here is hoping this bill does not pass. It is not in the best interest of our society. It is a step backwards towards discrimination and theocracy.
CroweDM Does this mean taxpayers can lodge a statement of belief to stop our taxes from funding private schools?
CroweDM Like I believe Scotty is LiarFromTheShire ?
CroweDM Tell me you’ve acknowledged Jedi as a religion, then we can talk.
CroweDM What if you’re a gay Christian teacher, though?
CroweDM You want to protect the richest group (Catholics) from Dan, but no other groups? Just override all state MPs outrageous pandemic bills and laws. They are completely out of control and destroying this country. Scomo auspol NoVaccinePassports
CroweDM Religious schools free to discriminate against non-heterosexual tax payers. Where’s the fair go?
CroweDM Basically that means anyone can say anything and claim it is part of their faith? Can I discriminate against, say, women and claim it is just part of my faith?
CroweDM So if a statement of religious belief is to be protected under Federal law, what about statements of religious disbelief? Do they have equal protection? Trying to codify myth and superstition into a legal framework is a fools errand bound to annoy all and please none.
CroweDM And cut children to suit their loving God
CroweDM Australia is also a signature to free speech: 'The right to freedom of opinion is the right to hold opinions without interference, and cannot be subject to any exception or restriction.'
CroweDM “Statements of belief' = 'Statements of fantasy' - Christianity, Star Wars, Islam, transsexualism, Pastafarianism just for starters
CroweDM You mean spout the usual divisive hurtful observations as sanctioned by whichever sun fairy they claim to be in contact with
CroweDM The LNP’s Bill for Religious Bigotry is a serious threat to the freedoms & liberties of Australians. If the LNP is re-elected, Australia’s slide towards theocracy will rapidly accelerate.