Australia: Read the full 20 recommendations from the religious freedom review

Fairfax Media's exclusive report on Wednesday detailing sections of the religious freedom review commissioned by the Coalition government has triggered a political furore.

The report by former attorney-general Philip Ruddock, which was ordered by Malcolm Turnbull in the wake of last year's same-sex marriage victory, was delivered to the government in May but has been kept under wraps ever since. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has vowed to make the report public towards the end of the year, when he also plans to release the government's response. 

The review's recommendations include amendments to federal laws permitting discrimination against gay students and teachers, and a new Religious Discrimination Act. 

Fairfax Media can now publish the full 20 recommendations 

Recommendation 5

The Commonwealth should amend the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 to provide that religious schools can discriminate in relation to the employment of staff, and the engagement of contractors, on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status provided that:

  • The discrimination is founded in the precepts of the religion.

  • The school has a publicly available policy outlining its position in relation to the matter and explaining how the policy will be enforced.

  • The school provides a copy of the policy in writing to employees and contractors and prospective employees and contractors.

Recommendation 7

The Commonwealth should amend the Sex Discrimination Act to provide that religious schools may discriminate in relation to students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status provided that:

  • The discrimination is founded in the precepts of the religion.

  • The school has a publicly available policy outlining its position in relation to the matter.

  • The school provides a copy of the policy in writing to prospective students and their parents at the time of enrolment and to existing students and their parents at any time the policy is updated.

  • The school has regard to the best interests of the child as the primary consideration in its conduct.

Recommendation 12

The Commonwealth should progress legislative amendments to make it clear that religious schools are not required to make available their facilities, or to provide goods or services, for any marriage, provided that the refusal:

  • Conforms to the doctrines, tenets or beliefs of the religion of the body

  • Is necessary to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of adherents of that religion.

Read more via Sydney Morning Herald