Daniel Andrews slams ‘unnecessary, hurtful, divisive’ debate over religious discrimination bill

Daniel Andrews has ripped into the Morrison Government over an “unnecessary, hurtful” debate in Canberra of which he says it should be “ashamed”.

Daniel Andrews did not hold back on Sunday, ripping into the Commonwealth over an “unnecessary, divisive, hurtful” debate in Canberra.

The Victorian Premier issued a statement after the fiasco surrounding the federal government’s religious discrimination bill reached a stalemate after hours of debate.

“It’s pretty simple. All people, whether gay or straight or transgender, deserve support and protection. That is our record - and the Commonwealth government ought to be ashamed,” he said.

Andrews was backed up by his Health Minister James Merlino who said the debate “put young LGBTIQ+ communities at risk” and reiterated that “queer and gender diverse Victorians … are loved, supported and welcome to be exactly who you are”.

If you need a refresher, the Morrison Government’s religious discrimination bill was passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday morning after a marathon debate that ran until 5am.

But in a blow for the PM, Labor, the crossbench and five Liberal MPs joined forces to pass an amendment against the government’s wishes, expanding a provision preventing schools from expelling students for being gay to protect transgender kids as well.

Daniel Andrews doesn’t like the federal government’s racial discrimination bill.

The five Liberals who crossed the floor were Bridget Archer, Dave Sharma, Trent Zimmerman, Fiona Martin and Katie Allen.

Now the legislation, in its amended form, will head to the Senate, where the government’s numbers are weaker, but there’s a chance the bill may not even be debated before the election.

The back-and-forth on these issues has gone unnoticed by leaders in NSW and Victoria.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet told reporters: “I don’t believe legislation in this space is necessary and I think it can end up creating more problems than it’s attempting to solve.”

The Victorian Premier went a step further on Sunday while announcing more support for health services for queer, transgender and gender diverse Victorians.

“The recent unnecessary, hurtful public debate around legal protections for young LGBTIQ+ Australians has had a significant impact on their wellbeing and that of their families and loved ones,” Mr Andrews said.

“Young same-sex attracted people are already five times more likely to attempt suicide – and young transgender Australians are 15 times more likely.”

On social media, Mr Andrews wrote that “the debate we’ve seen from Canberra this week has been shameful — and for LGBTIQ+ kids, it’s been hurtful.,

He continued: “They deserve to be protected and supported — like all kids do. So we’re doing exactly that.”

A $200,000 package was announced to make sure “organisations can manage any increased demand for their services”.

The Premier said last week that his government would protect LGBTQI+ kids in schools if the laws were introduced.

“All kids deserve protection,” he tweeted. “Gay kids, trans kids — all kids, no exceptions. If the federal government wants to change that, then we will do everything in our power to protect LGBTIQ+ Victorians.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s proposal would protect people of faith from vilification on the basis of their religion, but a statement of belief has raised the ire of many advocates.

The clause allows Australians to make statements of religious belief under the protection of federal law as long as they are made “in good faith”, are not malicious and in accordance with the beliefs or teachings of that religion.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is facing opposition from within his own party. Picture Emma Brasier

Rodney Croome, a former director of Australian Marriage Equality and Tasmanian of the Year, was awarded an Order of Australia honour for his role in the decriminalisation of homosexuality in his state.

He now insists he will be handing back the honour if the bill is passed, writing it was clear leaders no longer valued his contribution.

“It was a moment of great pride for me and other advocates because it showed the nation valued our contribution,” he said.

“If the Religious Discrimination Bill passes in its current form, which would require the support of both major parties given dissent in Liberal ranks, it will effectively revoke the nation’s approval and instead declare our achievement to be a threat to faith and freedom.”

Asked about the proposal at the National Press Club, former Australian of the Year Grace Tame accused the parliament of not doing enough to protect LGBT rights.

“Why does one group of people have more of a right to be themselves than another, that’s what I have to ask the Government,” Ms Tame said.

— with NCA NewsWire