Labor has substantially watered down proposed hate speech laws, but is nevertheless facing a religious backlash, with claims it would turn Australia into a police state by creating “thought crime”. The Australian Christian Lobby, the Catholic Church and Christian Schools Australia are among faith organisations to make submissions to the legal and constitutional affairs committee inquiry about the laws.
Catholic Church
Christian leaders pray for end to pandemic
Joined by Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant leaders and faithful from around the world, Pope Francis led the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, imploring God’s mercy on humanity amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Royal Commission to hold final hearing into Australian Catholic Church
The Royal Commission will hold a public hearing to inquire into the current policies and procedures of Catholic Church authorities in Australia in relation to child-protection and child-safety standards, including responding to allegations of child sexual abuse. The public hearing will commence on 6 February 2017 at the Royal Commission’s hearing rooms in Sydney.
