Religious Discrimination’s Election Resurrection

Originally a 2019 election commitment, passing a religious discrimination bill proved impossible for the last parliament.  Controversy and criticism from all sides ultimately saw the last attempt at a bill crucified in February this year.  Now, Scott Morrison has resurrected the bill in the last fortnight of the election campaign, making a renewed commitment to faith leaders.  But while Anthony Albanese also supports a bill, he says concerns remain around protections for LGBTQ youth. We spoke to Chris Duke, Convenor of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria’s Church & Nation Committee, and Cian McCulloch, a gay man who had to leave his church community after coming out last year. Both say they’re the victim of rising prejudice in Australia, and want different things from a religious discrimination bill.  So, how does Australia’s next government uphold the rights of all Australians with the next version of the bill?  The Swanston Explainer unpacks the debate. By Anthony Rossignuolo, Isabella Rayner and Mishelle Tongco Series Produer Loughlin Shannon