With religious discrimination laws shelved, it's time for a human rights act

The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has expressed disappointment following the Federal Government’s indication that it will not seek to re-introduce revised religious discrimination legislation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on 9 August that the window for action had passed because a bipartisan approach could not be reached with the opposition.

President of the Uniting Church in Australia Assembly Rev Charissa Suli said this week that the decision to back away from reform will be disappointing for vulnerable communities who had hoped increased protections would be introduced.

“Only five months ago, the Uniting Church Assembly welcomed the report of the Australian Law Reform Commission which recommended strengthening protections for LGBTIQA+ students and staff at religious schools,” said Rev Suli.

“In our own submission to the Commission last year, we had supported changes that would have increased protections for LGBTIQA+ students, staff and their families. We affirmed the principle that the safety and care of students should be paramount.”

“The decision not to advance these protections not only perpetuates the systemic marginalisation of LGBTIQA+ individuals but also deepens the divide within our nation.”

The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly has spent years calling for balance to be achieved on this issue, arguing that any laws that allow organisations to discriminate based on religious belief must be carefully balanced against other rights.

It has focussed not only on the rights of the Christian majority within Australia but on ensuring that our laws provide appropriate protections for religious minorities within our society.

Throughout its engagement with the government, the Church has maintained a clear concern for vulnerable groups and minorities who are or may become vulnerable to discrimination under the proposed legislation.

“The Uniting Church has grappled with the complexities surrounding religious freedom and LGBTIQA+ rights. We do not believe they are mutually exclusive,” said Rev Suli. “We believe it is possible to protect the rights of faith communities without compromising the safety and dignity of other communities.”

The President said that with religious discrimination reform shelved, now is the time for the government to legislate a comprehensive Human Rights Act.

“The Uniting Church has been advocating for a Human Rights Act for almost two decades as the best way to balance various rights, protections and responsibilities. This would appropriately locate the right to religious freedom within an overall framework to protect all human rights nationally in law.”

“The report of the Government’s own Inquiry into Australia's Human Rights Framework tabled earlier this year reflected overwhelming support for a national Human Rights Act. Now is the time for a holistic approach and comprehensive legislation that would safeguard the rights of every citizen.”

“As a Church committed to justice and inclusion, we will continue to advocate for a society where no individual is discriminated against based on their faith, gender, or sexual identity.”

Rev Suli expressed support for Uniting Church members who may be feeling disappointed or vulnerable following the announcement.

“To our Uniting Church members, especially those who may feel disheartened or anxious about this development, we stand with you.”

“We will continue to advocate for the values of love, justice, and equality within our Church and beyond. The journey towards true inclusivity is long, but we are committed to walking it together.”