LGBTIQ+ advocates are alarmed by reports the federal government is planning to use new religious discrimination laws to stop employers from sacking workers for expressing religious views.
Attorney-General Christian Porter has begun consultation with coalition MPs on draft religious discrimination laws that are expected to protect workers with religious views from discrimination in the workplace.
Under the proposed laws, Rugby Australia would not have been able to sack former star player Israel Folau for expressing anti-gay views on social media.
Equality Australia's Legal Advocacy Director Lee Carnie said that would stop businesses from providing a safe workplace for all people.
“Anti-discrimination laws should be a shield, not a sword," they said.
"It sounds like the Government’s proposal would prevent employers from being able to protect their businesses from the damaging public actions of employees.”
“Employers should be able to provide workplaces for all employees that are safe, healthy, and inclusive. The examples given by the Attorney-General show that he plans to go further with religious discrimination laws to interfere with employers’ ability to uphold their values."
Carnie called for the Attorney-General to release the bill for broader consultation.
“This drip-feed of incomplete information is causing panic for the communities who could be targeted by this law, such as single mums, divorced people, women and LGBTIQ+ people,” Carnie said.
