Criticism for Scott Morrison’s religious discrimination bill has come from an unlikely source, with NSW Premier Dom Perrottet insisting the laws are not needed.
Asked about the highly contentious law, which Mr Morrison hopes to pass this week, Mr Perrottet said the bill could cause more problems than it's worth.
“I don't believe legislation in this space is necessary and I think it can end up creating more problems than it is attempting to solve,” the Premier told reporters in Sydney.
Mr Morrison’s proposal would protect people of faith from vilification on the basis of their religion, but a statement of belief has raised the ire of many advocates.
The clause allows Australians to make statements of religious belief under the protection of federal law as long as they are made “in good faith”, are not malicious and in accordance with the beliefs or teachings of that religion.
During a marathon meeting of the Labor caucus, the opposition resolved to move amendments in the lower house but ultimately not reject the bill if they fail.
Labor’s decision takes the sting out of the threat of Liberal backbenchers, who had vowed to cross the floor to vote against the government legislation if it came to a vote.
It sets the proposal up for an almighty fight in the Senate, where it is set to face fierce opposition from the Greens and the crxjmtzywossbench over the government’s decision to walk back a promise to ensure students at religious schools are not discriminated against based on their gender identity.
The government on Tuesday resolved to amend the Sex Discrimination Act to ensure gay students cannot be expelled, but ruled out protections to transgender students until after a year long review by the Australian Law Reform Commision.
But leading LGBT activist Rodney Croome said the move panders to voters in Western Sydney over progress.
Mr Croome, a former director of Australian Marriage Equality and Tasmanian of the Year, was awarded an Order of Australia honour for his role in the decriminalisation of homosexuality in his state.
He now insists he will be handing back the honour if the bill is passed, writing it was clear leaders no longer valued his contribution.
“It was a moment of great pride for me and other advocates because it showed the nation valued our contribution,” he said.
“If the Religious Discrimination Bill passes in its current form, which would require the support of both major parties given dissent in Liberal ranks, it will effectively revoke the nation’s approval and instead declare our achievement to be a threat to faith and freedom.”
Asked about the proposal at the National Press Club, former Australian of the Year Grace Tame accused the parliament of not doing enough to protect LGBT rights.
“Why does one group of people have more of a right to be themselves than another, that's what I have to ask the Government,” Ms Tame said.
