There is a bill currently before Federal Parliament from the Greens, looking to remove certain religious discrimination laws. For example, if a Muslim or a staunch atheist is the best candidate for a teaching position in a Christian school, the school will not be allowed to discriminate against them based on their opposition to the Christian ethos of the school.
While bills such as this originate from a desire to reduce discrimination, which is a good thing, they have dangerous consequences. The reason for these protections (i.e. the right to discriminate on which staff to hire based on religious beliefs), is so that people of faith can practice their religion with a clear conscience. Forcing a Christian Principle or School Board to hire someone who is opposed to the Christian ethos of the school, because they may be the best qualified teacher applying, may mean forcing that principle or school board to go against their conscience. Freedom of religion IS freedom of conscience.
Is it right for Christians to voice their opposition to such bills in the public square, given we are in effect fighting for our rights over the rights of some others? While the NT tells Christians to give up their rights for others (e.g. 1 Cor 6:7), this particular bill places our country on a slippery slope. Once ‘freedom of conscience’ has been removed in this country, even if only for religious bodies, it will not take long for other organisations to be forced to go against their consciences as well, the dangers of which cannot be overstated.
As citizens, Christians are obligated to engage in politics, to fight for what is best for our whole community. So may we be loving to our fellow Australians, and fight for freedom of conscienc
