Victorian court denies religious freedom

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 27 Apr 2014.

Family Voice Australia Victorian state officer, Peter Stevens, claims “religious freedom is under threat in Victoria, now that a court ruling has denied a Christian-run camp its right to maintain biblical standards of conduct on its premises.”

The Victorian Court of Appeal recently dismissed an Appeal from a VCAT decision in 2010 which ruled Christian Youth Camps had discriminated against Cobaw, a group for same-sex attracted youth, in the provision of accommodation.

Justice Robert Redlich dissented, arguing that in declining the booking, the camp was taking steps necessary to comply with the genuine religious belief that promotion of homosexuality was wrong.

Pastor Peter Stevens said the Cobaw vs CYC case highlighted the erosion of freedom of religion and association. He said:

We have now reached a stage where a judge is deciding what Christians should believe – and Christians have lost the freedom to uphold and promote biblical sexuality for the common good.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.