What does the Ruddock report say about religious freedom?

Editor's note

Months after the report of the federal government’s religious freedom review was handed to the prime minister’s office, it is still to be released. But yesterday, significant parts of its findings were reported in the media, allowing us an insight into what the findings might mean for religious freedom and LGBT+ rights in Australia.

As Liam Elphick and colleagues write, the recommendations actually constrain rather than expand federal religious exemptions to LGBT+ protections. Now we must wait for the full report to be released and for the government and parliament to respond. Meanwhile, on the political front, the leak has come at a bad time for the Morrison government, Michelle Grattan writes, just over a week away from the Wentworth byelection.

Amanda Dunn

Section Editor: Politics + Society

Top story

The Ruddock report recommends the existing right of religious schools to turn away LGBT+ students and teachers be maintained, but that further constraints be added. Shutterstock

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