NSW Parliament urged to reject unbalanced bill that would allow religious discrimination

The Human Rights Law Centre has urged the New South Wales Parliament reject a bill that would create unbalanced protections against religious discrimination.

Executive Director, Hugh de Kretser said “People of faith should have stronger protections from discrimination in New South Wales, but this proposed law gets the balance wrong and would allow religious beliefs to harm other people.”

The NSW Anti-Discrimination Amendment (Religious Freedoms and Equality) Bill 2020 was introduced by One Nation and is currently being reviewed by a Parliamentary Inquiry.

“Among the many problems in the Bill are the overly broad definition of religious belief and religious organisation and the protection afforded to religious activities that are unlawful.”

“The Bill would make it harder for employers and regulatory bodies to promote diversity and non-discrimination in workplaces, education and professions.”

“The Bill should be rejected by the New South Wales Parliament.”

The Human Rights Law Centre’s brief submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry is here.