Will We Get Some Decent Legislation?

As we start the third month of 2020, let’s hope we can see some decent legislation soon protecting religious freedom.

We have laws which outlaw sex, racial and disability discrimination so it only makes sense that people’s freedom of belief should also be protected. I know there is a balance involved between the rights of individuals, but it is pretty simple at its core.

Sincere statements of belief should not be considered discriminatory and people should be able to live out their beliefs.

Should there be a religious discrimination commissioner? I don’t think those kinds of appointments have worked well in the past – subject as they are to political manipulation. Let’s just have decent, clear legislation so people of faith know where they stand.

I’m Russell Powell for the NSW Council of Churches