Media Release
Wednesday November 22nd
ADVOCATES CALL FOR LGBTI REP ON RUDDOCK RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REVIEW
"The context of this review is the myth that marriage equality is at odds with religious freedom, and the subsequent push to roll back laws protecting LGBTI people from discrimination, so it's vital there is an LGBTI panel member to ensure our community's concerns are heeded." - Rodney Croome
Equality advocates want the LGBTI community to be represented on a review of religious freedom because the issue disproportionately affects LGBTI people.
The review, to be chaired by retired Liberal MP, Philip Ruddock, will consider how religious freedom can be protected and is a response to concerns from opponents of marriage equality that the reform could impinge on religious rights.
Just.equal spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
"Religious freedom is too often used as an excuse for discriminating against LGBTI people, so it's vital our community is represented on the religious freedom review."
"The panel members who were announced today include human rights experts, but they are not necessarily familiar with the concerns of LGBTI Australians when it comes to how 'religious freedom' is used to undermine our equal rights and dignity."
"The context of this review is the myth that marriage equality is at odds with religious freedom, and the subsequent push to roll back laws protecting LGBTI people from discrimination, so it's vital there is an LGBTI panel member to ensure our community's concerns are heeded."
"Genuine religious freedom must be respected and protected but it must never become a weapon to be wielded against vulnerable minorities."
Just.equal will write to the Prime Minister asking for LGBTI community representation on the Ruddock Review.
For a copy of this statement on the web, click
here
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
