Religious Freedom Bill

The proposed Religious Freedom Bill will enable organisations and individuals to discriminate in accordance with their religious beliefs.

The bill does not protect freedoms, but grants religious belief undeserved, unnecessary, and outrageous privileges.

The Atheist Foundation of Australia opposes the Religious Freedom Bill and will fight to protect the rights of all Australians.

Read our Submission

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Religious Freedom Bill Submission

Religious Discrimination Bill – Second Exposure Draft Date: 19 January 2020 Submission type: Non-Profit – Atheist Foundation Of Australia and Sydney Atheists Email: [email protected] Confidentiality: For Public Release The Atheist Foundation of...

Submission to the Australian Bureau of Statistics – Review of 2021 Census Topics

The question on religion in the Australian Census contains an element which is problematical in obtaining accurate figures. The problem is that it asks “What is the person’s religion?” This is a leading question and can elicit a religion of baptism when the person may...

Submission to the Queensland Law Reform Commission Review of Termination of Pregnancy Laws

February 2018 In line with the recommendations of groups such as the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMAQ), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), the Queensland Nurses Union, the Health...

Non-believers now Australia's largest religious group: Time to listen to what we want

What is the role of the godless in Australia’s current social and political climate? What level of influence should the the non-religious have in Australia’s version of secularism? The Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) is calling for a national discussion on these...

Religious Freedom Review Panel Submission

Religious Freedom Review, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Parliament House, Canberra. Submission: Copies to all members of the Review Panel and PMC Secretariat: To whom it may concern, The Australian Law Reform Commission interim report 127 has previously...

Politicians cannot hide from fact any more regarding voluntary assisted dying

The Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) supports the two Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Bills before state Parliaments in NSW and Victoria. This is an important demonstration of evidence-based medical opinion and indisputable patient need triumphing over...

Richard Dawkins and Ben Goldacre in Melbourne for Reason to Hope

The Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) is excited to announce that evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, and Ben Goldacre, best-selling author of Bad Science and Bad Pharma, will speak at the 2018 Global Atheist Convention, Reason to Hope. “We are delighted...

Non-believers by far Australia's largest single 'religious' group: Now give us the recognition we deserve

The godless in Australia say enough is enough. After today’s release of Census data showing that non-believers make up 30.1% of the population – easily overtaking the previously-highest response “Catholic” for the first time in Census history – the Atheist Foundation...

Tracey Spicer and Clementine Ford to speak at 2018 Global Atheist Convention; Tickets now on sale

The Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) is excited to announced that Tracey Spicer – journalist and author of The Good Girl Stripped Bare – and prominent feminist writer Clementine Ford will speak at the 2018 Global Atheist Convention, Reason to Hope. "We are...

Ayaan Hirsi Ali withdraws from 2018 Global Atheist Convention; New speakers announced

The Atheist Foundation of Australia (AFA) is disappointed to advise that Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of Heretic and Infidel, has withdrawn from the 2018 Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne. However, MCs for the event - the largest gathering of its kind in the southern...

Our Philosophy

The Atheist Foundation of Australia recognises the scientific method as the only rational means toward understanding reality. To question and critically examine all ideas, testing them in the light of experiment, leads to the discovery of facts.

As there seems to be no scientific evidence for supernatural phenomena, atheists reject belief in ‘God’, gods, and other supernatural beings. The universe, the world in which we live, and the evolution of life seem to be entirely natural occurrences.

No personality or mind can exist without the process of living matter to sustain it. We have only one life – here and now. All that remains after a person dies is the memory of their life and deeds in the minds of those who remain.

Atheists reject superstition and prejudice along with the irrational fears they cause. We recognise the complexity and interdependence of life on this planet. As rational and ethical beings we accept the challenge of making a creative and responsible contribution to life.

Atheist Foundation of Australia

Our Aims

To encourage and to provide a means of expression for informed free-thought on philosophical and social issues.
To safeguard the rights of all non-religious people.
To serve as a focal point for the community of non-religious people.
To offer verifiable information in place of superstition and to promote logic and reason.
To promote atheism.

Become a Member Make a Contribution

Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd.

Voltaire

I cannot be angry at God, in whom I do not believe.

Simone de Beauvoir

The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike.

Delo McKown

It ain’t the parts of the Bible that I can’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.

Mark Twain

Conventional people are roused to fury by departure from convention, largely because they regard such departure as a criticism of themselves.

Bertrand Russell

Comment on Facebook

Does it get any more ironic for the Godbots than to remind them of the golden rule... Or as they phrase it: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Still don't believe this. It's more likely a bit of PR "leaked" out to one of Scotty from marketing's mates so we all just let it pass. Marketing at work.

except, the Religious discrimination bill protects those with deeply held beliefs. Atheism is not a belief system, just the disbelief there is a god/s. So for that reason, the author of this article wrongly used Atheism as an example

Can we just keep the statement of belief stuff? That is literally a protection of speech. That part sounds good to me. George Brandis wasn't right about much, but people do have the right to be bigots (without being punished by the law).

If it's legit and it passes, the whole family is getting baptised to Satan so we can be horrible to anyone who tries to use this bill to suppress or harm innocent folks. Fighting fire with Hellfire

I've said from the beginning that it'll backfire. The whole thing is too slippery to put in the box they want it in.

The article says that you couldn't refuse to hire a Christian because of there beliefs but can't a chatholic school refuse to hire a Anglican teacher? Doesn't the bill say if a religious organisation can refuse to hire someone if they don't follow the sincerely held beliefs. I would think the acknowledgement of the leader of the religion would count as not following the sincerely held beliefs of a Catholic school. Or am I reading the bill wrong

Yep, be careful what you wish for.....

Scammo said this was the 'final' draft but there'll be further consultation!

Psalm 7:16 says "The trouble they make for others backfires on them."

The problem is, most right minded people won't go out of their way to do all this - because they aren't bad people. Regardless of which religion they are, it just allows the bad people of that religion to be even worse...

Irony is a beautiful word

The point re not hiring Christians or people of other faiths is one l have been making for sometime. And dressed up exactly as the article states.

And how much are we spending on this fiasco? We didn’t ask for it, we don’t need it ... bye bye

Hurry up and bring it in. I'm gonna have so much fun with the bible bashers

Great example of why religion and politics should be seperated...

Bad luck Scotty from marketing! 🤣🤣🤣

Awesome article SMH

‘I believe religious people effed in the head’ - that sort of thing?

I love this so much

Australia is getting toasted so our leader goes to Hawaii then brings up this mindless shit.

You know regardless of our stance on abortion, it's undeniable that some people find it an abhorent and unforgiveable thing to do. By denying this bill we're telling a doctor ''I will make you do what you feel is murdering a child and threaten you will the power of the law if you don't'', that's a disgusting way to treat another person. As a country do we really want to be doing that to another human just so a patient doesn't need to search a bit more for a clinic who will do it? Is Australia legitimately crazy now or what?

Just trying to manipulate Aussie culture forthewhim of few

The problem is that yes, atheist or Buddhist or Muslim folks could do these things under this legislation. But as Christians are still a majority in this country, it's far less likely to affect them the way that this article is suggesting it will.

Ace! I can now go out and round up a few christians to feed to the lions! Waddayareckon Steve Matthews

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No Bill should give anyone the right to discriminate against any other person. It is highly offensive and wrong on all levels.

A religion is also regarded as "a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion", so by that definition, Atheism could be regarded as a religion. If you want to keep practicing Atheism, the Religious Freedom Bill will let you.

As long as it’s possible to be fired from your job for holding a religious point of view, then this bill is necessary.

Well there’s a nice example of hypocrisy. You support the rights of people by opposing their religious freedom. The public have been dumbed down a lot, but I don’t think they are that stupid, yet. Go away, the public don’t need your bigotry.

Sick to death of people discriminating against people who don't believe in invisible people!

Disagree. It's along the same lines as freedom of speech. And why should I have to forego my beliefs because you say so? Religious hospitals already accept everyone. It's their mission. That is, religion teaches compassion to ALL. In fact, your position will result in the opposite of what you seek. Not all change is for the better; in fact, if you look at the world today compared to when I was young, I can tell you folk were much happier, more secure and better educated. I am very very sad that this has deteriorated, and I wish that young people today could have the happy childhood I had. You are not going to get my vote.

this bill discriminates against those who are not religious. We all have a right to our own beliefs, we dont need governments telling us we dont have the right to think

The comments of some religious people clearly demonstrate that this is a most dangerous bill.

I am not a practising Christian, but I don't believe in the vilification of people because of their religious beliefs. I am afraid that there are people who treat their athieism as a religion and wish to discriminate against others for their religious beliefs.

Freedom of association is a fundamental human right. This means the right to not associate with someone.

They don't want freedom, they want privilege.

Then there needs to be a requirement that all businesses that use this bill for discrimination, display prominently out front of their place of business what they discriminate against so I can make any informed choice on where I spend my money

I cannot believe how many people I talk to that have no idea this is happening

True religion, based on the God of the Bible, always promotes freedom & exalts a nation. But the problem is many unbelieving people want "freedom" to sin, & that always brings oppression & disgrace. Jesus Christ is & always will be the answer & His morality always results in true freedom.

Let your Federal Rep know how you feel - write letters!!!

It is really odd that the act will allow the religious to refuse to accept employees, patrons, patients etc because they are in conflict with their beliefs. I fail to see how that is preventing discrimination. I as far as I can see it looks like religious groups can discriminate against each other and anyone else in a way not available to other Australians .

Just TAX them like EVERYONE else. Then we can talk about "other" stuff. Until that day comes,they should be grateful for the tolerance, non religious Australians afford them & S.T.F.U.

They are discriminating against all Christians by not paying their fair share of tax

I foresee many Satanic Temple chapters opening across Australia if this bs passes.

The protests in Melbourne over the bill didn't get much media attention unfortunately.

You will all meet your Creator. Denial is futile

Why does anyone have to worry about being offended :( Sticks and stones!

Such exaggerated language! Vilification indeed! The people who vilify me, as a practicing Christian are those who who do not wish to have a religious belief. Furthermore, would a profoundly atheistic group feel happy if forced to admit Christians because they were not allowed to discriminate?

If it goes through, I think that they will very quickly get tangled in unforeseen issues of rights demanded by various religions that can’t be granted without breaking secular laws.

Scomo really want this bill he wants everyone to follow his religion or be discriminated against .If this passes it’s going to give him the right to destroy any other religion or non religion he doesn’t agree with .Its starting to sound a bit like Hitler don’t believe in the same as me the gas chambers are waiting for you .Come on people stop being led to the slaughter house thinking they are looking out for .

The “culture” of St Kevin’s is determined by the Catholic Church. The main culture of the Catholic Church is to cover things up: a ‘We can do no wrong. We a perfect. God is on our side’ sort of thing. Nothing can be said against a powerful representative of the church. This has been drummed into the people who run these schools. They, in turn, are run by fear of making the church look bad. So they do anything to cover it up. What brilliant “Christian values” the Catholic Church encourages. It’s all bullshit.

Grooming of a boy by s teacher in a Catholic school, never

Just drop the whole religious bullshit it's 2020 . Science has proven evelution and the big bang , religion is just a bunch of fairy tales. Come on people grow up

Nothing should over rule human rights. THE END.

Depends on what is meant by rights, no one has; a right not to be offended, a right to a job, a right to an employee, a right to be a client, a right to a client

It's refreshing to see a politician stand for what is right. This Bill is divisive and judgmental. Good on you, Andrew.

Mr Porter states that "The bill makes very clear that, while religious hospitals and aged care facilities can maintain a faith-based ethos amongst their staff, they cannot turn away patients or deliver services differently based on religion." Could someone please explain the logic here.

Just go back and find out where and who started this and Why?... if it came as a recommendation from Any religious group, it then becomes a total removal of a Australia being Secular... Is this not a major issue for All Australians?.. do we demand a referendum...

TAX THE CHURCH pass the law... separation of CHURCH AND STATE... Governments should not fund Religion in anyway shape or form PERIOD>

They can stuff their religious science-denying, fact-avoiding fantasy bullshit where the sun doesn't shine - Religion should be considered a mental illness!

In Egypt you can be jailed for criticising a religious figure. So soon we will have in Australia laws similar to most totalitarian regimes in the world. What next? Should we expect laws to jail anyone who criticise prime minister?

Australia NEEDS a constitution and a Bill of Rights.

The lunatics are loose in government. What a shitshow.

They have to use religion because we are bound by constitutional law to selectively litigate religious practices.

You can criticising any thing and any one, but not the Sisi. If you did, you will be jailed.

It's all about control. Religious control the RC have been doing that since they started

Well Scotty from marketing believes religion should have special privilege.

The bill was recommended by the UNHRC and AHRC. The chief minister doesn’t like it because it takes the power to legislate away from the states and makes the laws federal. So much misinformation on this bill it’s scary

I believe there are more of us than there are of them . If this pathetic excuse for a ‘law’ passes, I will be the first to charged with discrimination

Those salutes they're throwing up look mighty familiar...

We are getting less and less separation between Church and State. (Not unlike Islam)

I think that that is intended to be a feature rather than a bug.

Golly gee, they're messing this up more than was anticipated.

This Turkey & his religious beliefs are a real danger. Surely even liberal voters can see that.

So why has it not been completely scrapped and Scomo and his god bothering business church buddies been shown the door with a swift boot in the arse.

I'm SHOCKED I tell you.

But guys, look how well Fundamentalism works overseas.

That's what happens when you elect a happy-clapper as PM.

All good response.

Who'd a thunk it?

animals dont have a religion why do we need a religion , im not for religion because as a baby i was christian angaist my parents will and given the last rites at birth and then sent home [they wanted me to die, and that was in 1951, but im still here. my parents never taught us religion, i didnt know it existed untill her mum [i wont call her grandma] put us in orphangess in spite . she wanted to hurt mum.