The Religious Discrimination Bill: initial observations

Following the Marriage Equality debate and the ongoing Israel Folau saga, the issue of religious freedom has been given some prominence. The Australian Government has released what it describes as 'religious freedom reforms' on which it is actively seeking submissions. The proposed reforms will undoubtedly be the subject of much political and legal discussion in the coming months. Here are some initial observations.

Key Points

• The Religious Discrimination Bill (Bill) seeks to extend religious freedom by protecting against discrimination on the basis of religion belief or activity. The Bill also protects against discrimination for not holding a religious belief; so being atheist or agnostic (and activities associated with that).