Rob Hulls and religious discrimination

The Victorian Government asked the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee (SARC) to examine Victoria's Equal Opportunity Act to see if the 'exceptions' were 'compatible' with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

Christians were particularly concerned about the religious exceptions - for churches, schools and individuals...
See our Campaign Page on this issue for more information.

The Committee asked for submissions (closed on July 2009) and is currently preparing a report.

BUT Victoria's Attorney General PRE-EMPTED the Committee's Report by speaking out on this matter on Sunday 27 September!

Attorney General Rob Hulls put out a media release about the government's proposals.

This was BEFORE the SARC report was released!

Mr Hulls claimed to be 'protecting religious freedom'.

He announced that a 'compromise' had been reached with churches and religious groups. Mr Hulls said that the right to discriminate on attributes of "race, disability, age, physical features, political belief or activity, and breastfeeding" would be removed.

Mr Hulls said "But religious groups would continue to be able to discriminate on other grounds including sexuality or marital status if it was in accordance with their beliefs."
He went on to say “In relation to employment, the religious nature of the organisation or school will need be taken into account in determining whether a particular position needs to be filled by someone who adheres to that religion’s beliefs.” 

However, this means that EVEN in these attributes, they will not be AUTOMATIC exemptions.
Other reports are already saying this means that a maths teacher or receptionist would possibly not be covered by the exception unless it could be demonstrated it was a religious 'requirement'!

We are extremely concerned about this development!

Read our comment on our blog.

See media reports in the Herald Sun and The Sunday Age.

Gay rights groups angry at Victorian equal opportunity laws allowing discrimination

State Attorney-General Rob Hulls says a new Equal Opportunity Bill will be introduced into parliament next year.
Under the changes, religious groups will no longer be able to discriminate on the grounds of race, disability, age, physical features, political belief or breastfeeding.
But they can continue to discriminate on grounds including sexuality or marital status if it is in accordance with their beliefs...."

Government bows to religious right
Sunday Age, September 27, 2009.
"ATTORNEY-GENERAL Rob Hulls will today announce a controversial compromise struck with the state's religious groups that will allow them to continue to discriminate against gays and lesbians, single mothers and people who hold different spiritual beliefs.
In a move that has delighted religious groups but angered gay activists and discrimination experts, Mr Hulls will protect the right of hundreds of church-run organisations - including schools, hospitals and welfare services - to refuse to employ or provide services to people who they believe may undermine their beliefs...."