Bishops welcome release of Religious Freedom Review

Archbishop Peter Comensoli

Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli has welcomed the Morrison Government’s release of the Religious Freedom Review and its response, which he says will be a focal point for the ongoing debate about religious liberty in Australia.

Archbishop Comensoli, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference spokesman on religious freedom, was commenting on the long-awaited report of an expert panel chaired by Philip Ruddock.

“The release of the Religious Freedom Review will help Australians have a more informed debate on how best to recognise religious freedom in Australian law,” Archbishop Comensoli said.

“Our preference is that the law recognise religious freedom in a positive way as a basic, internationally-protected human right – and one that deserves protection.

“The major political parties have expressed their support for freedom of religion to be adequately addressed in Australian law, and we look forward to them making good on their commitments.

“We will be examining the Government’s response to the report to ensure it provides adequate protection for religious freedom.

Archbishop Comensoli acknowledged leaked recommendations have been available for some time, “but we will need time to consider the full report, the recommendations and the Government’s response in their proper context, to understand what is being proposed”.

“We look forward to engaging with each of the parties to discuss the report’s recommendations and come to an acceptable way forward,” Archbishop Comensoli concluded.