This submission draws on previous WHV submissions on earlier drafts of the Religious Discrimination Bill and those of key stakeholders including the Equality Rights Alliance (ERA) and Equality Australia (EA).
As outlined in the submission, some concerning elements of previous versions of the Bill in terms of women’s health have been removed in the current draft legislation. However, WHV opposes the Bill because, firstly, it goes beyond protecting the right to freedom from discrimination on religious grounds and privileges this right above the right to freedom from discrimination based on other grounds such as sex, race and disability, and second, in doing so it overrides existing anti-discrimination legislation at the state and territory level.
WHV’s submission further endorses ERA’s recommendation that all federal anti-discrimination laws be synthesised into a single anti-discrimination act (including religious discrimination protections), and that a federal Human Rights Act be introduced, providing broader protections for human rights and allowing an intersectional approach to assessing claims where different rights come into conflict. If the Religious Discrimination Bill is to proceed, WHV recommends adopting the detailed amendments set out in EA’s submission.
This submission was put to two separate inquiries:
Download the Final Print version in PDF or Word:
Women's Health Victoria (2021) Submission to the Joint Human Rights Parliamentary Committee Inquiry into the Religious Discrimination Bill 2021 (Cth). Women's Health Victoria. Melbourne.
Donate to create change for women
By donating to Women's Health Victoria, you can make a real difference to the health outcomes and fair treatment of women and gender diverse people.
With your help, we can drive social change, address women's health needs and promote fair and equitable healthcare for all.
No contribution is too small, and donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Accessibility | Copyright | Contact Us | Terms and Conditions
WHV acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
Acknowledgement of Country
Women’s Health Victoria acknowledges and pays our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land that our offices are situated on, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. As a statewide organisation, we also acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters across Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their cultures and their Elders past and present.
Our Commitment to Gender Diversity & Inclusion
Women’s Health Victoria’s focus is women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender diverse people. We address feminist health issues and are committed to supporting all people impacted by gender inequity who can benefit from our work. As a proud intersectional feminist organisation, Women’s Health Victoria is working towards meaningful inclusivity, guided by and supporting people who identify as women, trans, intersex and gender diverse.
