1st February, 2013
The Australian Christian Lobby has welcomed Attorney-General Nicola Roxon’s decision to remove a controversial section from her proposed anti-discrimination legislation which would prohibit conduct that “offends, insults or intimidates”.
But Jim Wallace, managing director of the organisation, says more of the draft legislation needs to be changed to ensure freedom of religion and freedom of speech are protected.
“Just as any political party can choose employees who share the aims of the party – churches, Christians schools and other faith-based organisations must be confident they can choose staff who will uphold the ethos of the organisation," he says.
“They should be able to retain their right to employ staff who are committed to upholding the tenets and beliefs of the organisation ” no matter what their role."
Mr Wallace has also called for section 3 of the draft legislation to be amended to acknowledge freedom of religion as a "fundamental right".
He says that while under the proposed legislation, religion is considered a protected attribute, "it”s only protected in work and work-related areas whereas most of the other attributes are protected in “any area of public life”."
“This places religion at a lower priority for protection in government policy when it should be afforded at least the same protection as other attributes. The aim for non-discrimination must be balanced against the right to freedom of religion.”
Others who have raised concerns over the proposed legislation – particularly the impact it will have on free speech – include Cardinal George Pell and Gillian Triggs, president of the Australian Human Rights Commission.
– DAVID ADAMS
