Equality advocates have backed Green calls for a Senate inquiry into an Australian Charter of Rights, saying a Charter is the best way to protect LGBTI equality and religious freedom.

 

Just.equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,

 

"Australia was one of the last western countries to enact marriage equality because we do not have a national charter of rights to set a standard of legal equality for minorities."

 

"A Charter of Rights is also the best way to ensure freedom of religion, conscience and speech are protected and balanced with other rights."

 

"We have launched a petition to the Ruddock inquiry into religious freedom that calls for the inquiry to endorse a Charter of Rights."

 

"We also call on both major parties and the cross-bench to support the Greens' move to refer a Charter of Rights to a Senate inquiry."

 

Greens' justice spokesperson, Nick McKim, has called for the Senate to back an inquiry into an Australian Charter of Rights and is using the Ruddock inquiry to increase momentum for the reform.

 

For a news report on Senator MicKim's call, click here

For this statement on the web, click here

To sign the just.equal petition, click here