Religious freedom review to kick off on Wednesday

Australia's protection of religious freedom will be put under the microscope when an independent panel begins on Wednesday.

File image of Philip Ruddock Source: AAP

Former immigration minister Philip Ruddock will begin assessing whether there is adequate legal protection for religious freedom in Australia.

Mr Ruddock and a panel which includes Australian Human Rights Commission president Rosalind Croucher have been tasked with reviewing the issue following the passage of same-sex marriage laws last year.

The panel will meet in Sydney on Wednesday.

Conservative Liberal senator Eric Abetz said during the campaign for same sex marriage, guarantees for religious freedoms were made.

"It is now clear we need to ensure those promises are actually kept," he told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

Some MPs are keen to ensure parental rights are protected for the teaching of children in schools, and no organisation or individuals who support traditional marriage are penalised for their views.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull wants the panel's findings by the end of March.