QAI made a submission on the proposed Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights and the Senate Standing Committees on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
QAI is deeply concerned about the Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 and its potential consequences for people with a disability. The Bill’s purpose is to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religious belief or activity in key areas of public life, such as employment, education, healthcare, and disability services. However, it also makes it legal for religious organisations, or individuals motivated by religious beliefs, to discriminate against other marginalised communities, such as people with a disability, women, people from ethnic minorities and members of the LGBTIQ+ community, simply because of who they are.
All human beings are free and equal and our laws must promote the tolerance and respect of every member of our community.