Submission on the Religious Discrimination Bill First Exposure Draft

• WHV supports the intent of the Bill to improve protections against discrimination on the basis of religion.
• The Bill does not strike an appropriate balance between protection of religious freedom and protection against other forms of discrimination.
• WHV has strong concerns that clause 8(5) and (6) would further restrict access to abortion in Victoria and across Australia.
• There is already a significant level of non-compliance with the conscientious objection requirements under the Abortion Law Reform Act 2008 (Vic).
• The right to conscientious objection to abortion is already adequately protected in state law and policy.
• Clause 8(5) and (6) creates a general right to religious conscientious objection for health professionals that could have serious implications for patients.
• The Bill may pave the way for institutional conscientious objection to abortion.
• The Bill would limit the ability of employers to foster safe and inclusive workplaces and services.

The submission makes recommendations to address these issues.

The content is endorsed by eight other Victorian women's health organisations.

More information about the Consultaton can be found here.