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Former Australian Government Minister Philip Ruddock to head review of religious freedom protections

Former Australian Federal Government Minister Philip Ruddock will chair a panel charged with reviewing protections for religious freedom, the Turnbull Government has announced against the backdrop of a continuing debate over the same-sex marriage bill and freedom of religion.

Amid ongoing concerns that religious freedom protections contained in the bill to legalise same-sex marriage – which is now before Parliament – are not adequate, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has asked Mr Ruddock to conduct a review of religious freedoms and report back by the end of March next year.

The deadline is well after the same-sex marriage bill is expected to become law with politicians of both sides repeatedly saying that will be done by this year’s end.

A statement from the Mr Turnbull’s office said that any reforms to protect religious freedom “should be undertaken carefully”.

“There is a high risk of unintended consequences when Parliament attempts to legislate protections for basic rights and freedoms, such as freedom of religion.  The Government is particularly concerned to prevent uncertainties caused by generally worded Bill of Rights-style declarations.”

Mr Ruddock told the ABC that Australia treated its international human rights obligations “seriously”, adding that includes the need to protect freedom of religion.

“[H]ow we manage that within the context of difficult human rights obligations, which can sometimes be formalised in a way which takes it beyond the power of the Parliament, you need to get the balance right,” he said.

The Labor Opposition has said it would cooperate with any review but that it should not delay or be linked to passage of legislation legalising same-sex marriage.

Alongside Mr Ruddock, who recently served as Australia’s special envoy for human rights, other members of the panel will include Rosalind Croucher, recently appointed president of the Australian Human Rights Commission, Annabelle Bennett, and Fr Frank Brennan.

 

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