What we do
Advocacy
We support denominations, organisations, churches and other faith communities to advocate effectively for religious freedom. This includes supporting faith leaders as they meet with politicians, resourcing “meet your candidate” forums during elections, and making it easy for people to write to, call and meet with their local MP to advocate on issues of religious freedom.
Legal Analysis
We provide world-class analysis of legislation and proposals to church leaders and other faith groups, writing submissions to Government and assisting and coordinating other responses.
Read our submissions and articles at our online public library
Stay Informed
Sign up for our updates to know the latest on religious freedom across Australia.
Our Current Campaigns
NSW “Equality” bill
The independent Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, has introduced his “Equality” bill, which would significantly undermine religious freedom in NSW. In collaboration with the heads of churches and a wide range of faith groups, Freedom for Faith has coordinated a campaign to call, write and meet with local MPs. We are also directly engaging with the Government and opposition on the future of the bill, and resourcing faith leaders in their advocacy.
The legislation has been referred to a Parliamentary Committee for Inquiry. Freedom for Faith coordinated a multi-faith submission which will be made available as soon as it goes through the Parliemantary review process.
Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with the campaign.
Federal Religious Discrimination Bill and faith-based schools
On Friday April 12, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with a number of faith leaders, including members of the Freedom for Faith board, to discuss the Religious Discrimination Bill and related legislative changes, including changes to the Sex Discrimination Act for faith-based schools.
This meeting was very positive, with the PM saying that religious freedom “will not go backwards while I’m Prime Minister of Australia”. He also indicated that he believed that faith-based organisations (including schools) requiring employees to live out their faith was “not discrimination”. This meeting also effectively ruled out any deal with the Greens to pass legislation.
This is a very positive development given the media coverage of the issue over the past month.
Queensland Anti-Discrimination legislation
The Queensland Government has just released its proposed Anti-Discrimination legislation. This legislation would severely limit religious freedom, and the ability for churches, faith-based institutions and schools to operate based on their faith and employ people who live out that faith.
Freedom for Faith is currently working with the heads of churches and other faith groups to develop a response, including legal submissions and a public campaign.
Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear updates on the Queensland Anti-discrimination bill
NSW Conversion Practices Ban Act
On March 22, 2024, the NSW Parliament passed the Conversion Practices Ban Act, a week after revealing the legislation. Despite a strong push from faith leaders and communities for improvements and clarifications, the legislation passed unamended.
Assoc Professor Neil Foster – a member of the Freedom for Faith board – has written a detailed analysis of the legislation and its implications.
Show your support
Your generous financial support ensures we remain an effective, recognised voice for religious freedom in Australia.
