The protection of freedom of religion and belief is one key feature of a truly tolerant society. As the examples at the end of this article show, in recent times, increased hostility to religion among some cultural elites has led to some key aspects of freedom of religion and belief and related rights being
In early May, the Victorian Parliament debated proposed legislation which would see the tax-exempted status of many faith-based organisations revoked. Mark Sneddon and ICS were closely involved in assessing the bill, consulting with parliamentarians, and providing commentary on the potential consequences of the new laws. Below are extracts from the debate which cite Mark's important
On 18 May the Federal Government’s Inquiry into Religious Liberty under the Chairmanship of Philip Ruddock will present its report. It is very timely that the University of Divinity's Centre for Research in Religion and Social Policy (RASP) invites you to attend the second annual RASP Public Conversation on this significant topic on 1 June
You are invited to a public meeting to hear Mark Sneddon speak on the proposed changes to the NT Anti-Discrimination Act and potential undermining of freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of religion. Location: Charles Darwin University Mal Nairn Lecture Theatre Date: 30th May, 2018 Time: 19:30-21:30
The Institute for Civil Society made the following submission to the Review Panel on Religious Freedom in February 2018. A PDF of the submission can be found here, including full references and appendices. SUBMISSION TO THE REVIEW PANEL ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Recommendations: A general statutory limitation on government (Federal, State, Territory and local) interference with
In September 2017, the Northern Territory's Department of the Attorney General and Justice released a Discussion Paper about the "Modernisation of the Anti-Discrimination Act". They called for comments on the paper. The Institute for Civil Society made the following submission in January 2018. A PDF of the paper can be found here. Comment on NT
Mark Sneddon & Simon Kennedy, in The Spectator. "Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense during the administration of George W. Bush, famously spoke of different kinds of knowns and unknowns. He was speaking of military intelligence, and about what informs decision-making at a strategic level. The same kind of talk could be used for public policy. With
"The result of the marriage survey, with its consequent change to the law, has opened up the question of religious freedom in Australia. The issue is never too far from the surface, but people disagree about whether and how to protect freedom of religion. Australia is a signatory to international covenants that guarantee freedom of
ICS Executive Director, Mark Sneddon, responds to the SSM survey results: A PDF version can be found here. Australians have spoken clearly in the same sex marriage postal survey. 61.6% of those who voted are in favour of same sex marriage. That is a clear mandate and the Parliament should legislate for same sex marriage.
This article was also published at On Line Opinion and is re-posted here with permission. If the Victorian Parliament passes the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill, it will be sending mixed messages on suicide: it’s not OK for most but it is for some. And that simply isn’t right. Suicide is always a tragedy. As a society
