Submission into the 2014 Australian Human Rights Commission ‘Rights and Responsibilities’ Discussion

Freedom for Faith

Religious freedom and associated rights (“the four freedoms”) are at risk of being undermined in Australian society due to a focus on other, sometimes competing rights. In light of this, there is a need to “re – balance” the rights agenda in view of recent developments, particularly the over – reach of the equality lobby. We now call the Australian Human Rights Commission to take steps to ensure that the freedoms of religion, speech, association and conscience are protected, strengthened and promoted. The value of protecting and promoting religious freedom is an essential and indivisible part of a broader program to safeguard fundamental freedoms for Australian society.