Having historically positioned itself as ‘non-partisan’, the ACL’s recent campaigns reflect a return to its US roots, and perhaps hopes of achieving a similar polarising cultural shift in Australia.
Israel Folau has asked for an apology from Rugby Australia.
AAP/Peter Rae
Michelle Grattan discusses the increasing strain on the Australia-China relationship following the arrest of Dr. Yang Hengjun, and the government’s draft religious discrimination legislation.
Attorney-General Christian Porter unveiled the draft legislation at Sydney’s Great Synagogue on Thursday.
Lukas Coch/AAP
Under the government’s draft religious discrimination legislation, big companies would face tougher rules in relation to indirect discrimination.
Michelle Grattan discusses the high court’s decision to uphold the sacking of a public servant due to anonymous social media posts criticising the government.
Lukas Coch/AAP
University of Canberra Deputy Vice-Chancellor Geoff Crisp speaks with Michelle Grattan about the week in politics.
As the debate over religious freedom heats up, the attorney-general has flagged that any proposed legislation would cover a situation like the Folau case.
Peter Rae/AAP
Less than four in ten Australians believe stronger laws are needed to protect religious freedom in a new poll, but 68% say Israel Folau should be able to share his views on social media.
Scott Morrison faces the risks of the Folau saga becoming a divisive intrusion into what he wants to be a steady-as-she-goes style of government.
AAP/The Conversation
Questions are being raised about the charitable nature of the ACL’s fundraising campaign for the rugby star.
The Australian Christian Lobby galvanised Folau’s Christian supporters by setting up a fund-raising website that earned more than A$1 million in its first day.
Jan Touzeau/AAP
Israel Folau is claiming that Rugby Australia unlawfully sacked him because of his religion. The organisation, however, contends the rugby star violated the terms of its code of conduct by discriminating against LGBTQ people.
Lukas Coch/AAP
What makes Folau’s case unique is that it sets up a clash between employment contract law and legal protections against discrimination on the basis of religion.
A tribunal will decide Thursday if Rugby Australia has the right to terminate Folau’s contract over his controversial social media posts – a dispute that raises questions about free speech, religious freedom and human rights and discrimination law.
Paul Barkley/AAP
Folau has sought a full code of conduct committee hearing to decide his future with Rugby Australia. Depending on how the tribunal rules, the case could be heading to federal court next.