This submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s (AHRC) ‘Religious Freedom Roundtable’ comments on how freedom of religion is protected in Australia. PIAC notes that while there are few government laws and regulations which inhibit the freedom, restrictions, when they arise, lead to widespread attention and analysis. PIAC raises concerns regarding wide exemptions for religious organisations in anti-discrimination legislation, particularly for religious organisations providing public services while in receipt of government funding. PIAC reiterates its support for amendment to federal marriage legislation to allow couples of the same-sex to marry, recognising that there ought to be legislative protection for religious organisations who, due to the tenets of their faith, do not wish to conduct these ceremonies. Finally, PIAC sets out possible options to provide greater protection for religious freedom in Australian domestic law.
