Act changes thrown out by Upper House
THE Liberals have suffered another legislative defeat, with changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act thrown out by the Legislative Council.
The Bill was rejected 7-4 at second reading stage.
Labor’s two members and five independents voted against the Bill.
The amendments sought to broaden protections against being prosecuted for offending people, particularly in the context of public debates on issues including same-sex marriage.
Offending someone on the grounds of their sexuality, for instance, would have been defendable if done for a “religious purpose”.
Debate on the Bill began in April but was halted by the Government before it reached a vote.
Windermere MLC Ivan Dean, who voted in favour of the Bill, said he remained angry the Government had “played games” by withdrawing it ahead of May’s Legislative Council elections.
“I’m extremely disappointed at the way this Bill has been dealt with,” Mr Dean said.
“What precedent does this set for elections of this place into the future? The Government will pay a dear price for that decision. Had it been dealt with on April 6 there was every reason to believe it would’ve gotten up.”
Legislative councillors have been the target of intense lobbying from supporters and opponents of the changes.
Acting Attorney-General Matthew Groom said Labor had blocked a sensible amendment in support of free speech.
“We will now closely consider our position and announce a policy to address this in advance of the next election,” Mr Groom said.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the result was a victory for a “just, kind, fair Tasmania”.
“The failure of this legislation points to a failure of Will Hodgman’s leadership. He didn’t have the courage to resist this push from the hard line conservatives in his party room, and allowed nasty legislation to be drafted, debated and ultimately, defeated,” Ms O’Connor said.
Ahead of the debate Children’s Commissioner Mark Morrissey called on the Bill to be rejected and said he feared it could unduly harm young Tasmanians.