Review of religious freedom legislation welcomed

I welcome the decision of Cabinet to establish a panel of eminent people led by Philip Ruddock to consider the adequacy of legislative religious protections.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the strong leadership and commitment of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Treasurer Scott Morrison to protections for religious freedom and the five million Australians who voted No.

Whilst a national Yes vote has been confirmed, polls also confirm that a vast majority of Australians want to see religious protections enshrined in law. A parliamentary democracy must be as concerned with the rights of minorities as those of the majority.

Coming from a No voting electorate in Western Sydney, the concerns of faith based communities have been amplified in recent days with reports of attacks on churches and intimidation of No voters for their deeply held and sincere views.

In particular it is disappointing, in a country that has long benefited from having Christian ethics at its core, people are being targeted for practicing their faith.

Recent events are also an important reminder of the reasons why the law must protect the right of people to their own religious views and the right to practice their faith free of intervention and intimidation.

Importantly, this announcement today does not hinder the rights of MPs to continue discussion about enshrining religious protections into the Marriage Act. Along with my colleagues, I will continue to seek the inclusion of amendments to the Marriage Act necessary to protect religious freedom.

This announcement is a most welcome addition and an important guarantee to No voters and people of faith in this debate.