Religious Bill ‘comes up short’

A CONSERVATIVE Coalition senator yesterday raised concerns about proposed religious freedom laws, saying they were likely to “fall far short” of expectations.

The draft laws are aimed at protecting people of faith from discrimination, but do not create a freedom of religion.

Liberal Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells said religious leaders and groups had expected the laws to create such a freedom.

“It is clear from my ongoing consultation and engagement with religious leaders that the Bills are likely to fall far short of properly and fully addressing their requirement,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells told ABC radio.

Attorney-General Christian Porter, who unveiled the draft laws at The Great Synagogue in Sydney, said creating outright freedom of religion would be too problematic for the courts.

Concerns over religious discrimination catapulted into the public sphere in the case of Rugby Australia and Israel Folau, who was sacked over a social media post saying drunks, homosexuals, fornicators and others would go to hell.

Under the draft legislation, Rugby Australia could argue its rule on player communication was necessary to protect its brand and avoid unjustifiable financial hardship.

Queensland MP George Christensen said the Bill would protect the ability of people of faith to express their beliefs.

Public submissions can be made until October 5.