Australia’s former immigration minister Philip Ruddock has been appointed to examine "whether Australian law adequately protects the human right to religious freedom.”
Last week’s ‘Yes’ vote in the Australian marriage law postal survey has raised questions about whether businesses such as bakeries, florists and beauticians should be able to refuse service to LGBT+ clients on the basis of ‘religious freedom’.
“The impending legalisation of same-sex marriage has seen a variety of proposals for legislative reform to protect freedom of religion,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s office reads. “Many of these proposals go beyond the immediate issue of marriage.”
Some Twitter users have questioned Mr Ruddock’s impartiality in this role, pointing out that the then attorney-general introduced legislation to ban same-sex marriage in 2004 to “protect the institution of marriage” and “the stability of our society”.
The YES win euphoria is certainly short lived. The WAR for equality is not over. With Anti-same sex campaigner Philip Ruddock now in charge of ensuring religious freedom is upheld. More delays. Keep fighting. #marriageequality #auspol #delaytactics
LGBT+ rights activist Sally Rugg tweeted that the "PM's announcement of a separate examination of religious freedoms in Aus is good and smart.
"Let's have this conversation, sure, but it has nothing to do with SSM. The Smith bill has comprehensive religious exemptions and then some."
Prime Minister Turnbull has asked Mr Ruddock to report his findings by March 31 2018.
