Review of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT) June 2014
Introduction
Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission into the ACT Law Reform Advisory Council (“LRAC”) review of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT) (“the Act”). This submission will address selected numbered questions as set out in the LRAC’s Consultation Paper.
Freedom 4 Faith (“F4F”) is an organisation that was formed to educate the Christian church and wider public on issues relating to freedom of religion in Australia. F4F’s leadership team includes senior Christian leaders from the Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Seventh-day Adventist and Assemblies of God traditions.
In this submission, Freedom 4 Faith (“F4F”) makes suggestions that seek to ensure that the principle of non-discrimination is appropriately balanced with other human rights, including rights that are central to maintaining a healthy multicultural society.
It is particularly important in a multicultural society such as Australia that cultural and religious minorities are able to retain their identity and values, even where their identity and values may conflict with majority values. Articles 18, 22 and 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (“ICCPR”) guarantee these important rights and freedoms.
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