In a confidential webinar this month, Liberal MP Kevin Andrews revealed that the Morrison government’s Religious Discrimination Bill has been drafted by the Attorney General Christian Porter and is ready to be presented to Federal Parliament. Kevin Andrews said:
“I, and members of Parliament on the Coalition side have had widespread ongoing consultation with the Attorney
We have worked through that for a period of a good 12 months
My understanding is that the Attorney now has a bill which is ready to present to the Parliament
And my hope is that this bill will be presented shortly”
- Liberal MP Kevin Andrews – February 2021
Ominously, Kevin Andrews also confirmed the commitment of conservative stakeholders and the Morrison government to bringing forward these divisive laws this year:
“All the people who believe that the government was going to bring forward some legislation in this regard have an expectation that we bring forward the legislation.
If enacted is would be a huge step in terms of protecting freedom of religion in Australia, compared to where we are at the present time.”
When the Religious Discrimination Bill does return to Federal Parliament, we intend to oppose it every step of the way. But we can’t do it alone.
How can you help?
To fight the Religious Discrimination Bill, we’ll need funds and supporters, and you can help us with both.
The funds you donate will be used to campaign in the media and to influence key Senators to oppose the Bill when it returns to Parliament this year.
We need to generate huge public support to successfully oppose the Bill. You can help by encouraging your friends to join our campaign.
We cannot keep Australia free from discrimination and division without your help.
Once again, thank you for your incredible support.
We’ll keep you posted.
The #DontDivideUs Team
How have they had the time, in this most troubling period, to draft this “Religious Discrimination Bill when they say they have been too busy to address ICAC?
Good point, Anne! Although I guess government’s can always say they can ‘walk and chew gum’ at the same time. The point, though, is that this bill is unnecessary, as stated by the government’s own Religious Freedom Inquiry.