As part of a summary of Australia’s efforts to maintain religious freedom, the International Religious Freedom Report for 2016 – published by the US Department of State – noted that One Nation’s federal election campaign had "included cessation of Muslim immigration and limits on some Islamic practices".
The department called out One Nation party leader Pauline Hanson for her first senate speech, in which she claimed the country was "in danger of being swamped by Muslims".
Presenting the report, US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson said: "Almost 20 years after the [International Religious Freedom Act's] passage, conditions in many parts of the world are far from ideal.
"Religious persecution and intolerance remains far too prevalent.
"No one should have to live in fear, worship in secret, or face discrimination because of his or her beliefs."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Almost two thirds of Australians identify as Christian, according to the report, while Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Jews constitute 6.5 per cent of the population in total.
Over 20 per cent claimed no religious affiliation and eight per cent said they did not have a religion or else had another religious affiliation.
One Nation did not respond when contacted for comment by SBS World News.
