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.
Christian Schools Australia
What is the religious discrimination debate about?
The federal government is threatening to pull promised religious discrimination reforms to protect LGBT students and teachers.
The government wants assured bipartisanship, but the Opposition says it is hard to support legislation it hasn’t seen.
Liberal MPs have asked to be shown the bill so they can consider whether it is worth supporting.
Attorney general defends religious schools’ right to sack teachers for views on sexuality
The Attorney General’s department also says changes to Sex Discrimination Act protecting gay students will be delayed until after religious discrimination bill. Michaelia Cash’s department also says changes to Sex Discrimination Act protecting gay students will be delayed until after religious discrimination bill.
