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Race Act Needs Amending: HallGippsland MP and The Nationals Leader in the Upper House, Peter Hall, has called for further amendments to the controversial and complicated ‘Racial and Religious Tolerance Act.’ By Peter Hall - 5th May 2005 - Back to News Mr Hall, speaking in Parliament last night (Wednesday 4 May), called for the exclusion of references to religious beliefs from the Act.
He raised the matter after a number of representations from constituents who are concerned that the Act restricts free speech and open debate.
"Of late I have received many representations from constituents expressing concerns with the application of provisions contained in the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act," Mr Hall told the Parliament.
"In particular those representations centre on religious beliefs being heard by a court of law. They (constituents) argue that this is inappropriate, both restricting freedom of speech and creating unnecessary division in our communities.
"Typical of the representations I have received is one in which they make comments like this: ‘Australia is an open and tolerant society. Free speech -- the ability to politely listen to other points of view and if necessary agree to disagree -- is the only satisfactory way to deal with different belief systems.’ "
Outside Parliament, Mr Hall said The Nationals had opposed the legislation when it was brought forward in 2001 because it was unnecessary and restricted Victorians in the legitimate expression and practice of religious beliefs and ceremonies.
"The fact is that under this Bill, if someone performs a legitimate religious ceremony which another person, for their own reasons, objects too, the first person is not able to practice their beliefs.
"As I have told my constituents who have raised the issue with me recently, The Nationals believe the legislation is not only unnecessary but divisive. There was never any need for it and there is no need for it now. That has been our position throughout and continues to be the case."
He added that in the debate on the Bill in 2001, The Nationals said it would not eradicate racial and religious vilification or hatred; in fact, it may even make it worse.
"As we stated then, we are concerned it will divide our communities and drive hatred underground, thereby allowing it to fester and grow stronger and more vicious. The bill endangers freedom of speech and causes confusion." In Parliament, Mr Hall "supported the call of a great number of my constituents to have all references to religious beliefs excluded from this act and I urge the government to consider such amendments."
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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