Scott Morrison accuses Fairfax of deliberate misrepresentation over religious freedom report

The PM says a report on religious freedom actually focused on the interests of the child, and he’s surprised so many bought Fairfax’s line.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AAP

Scott Morrison has accused Fairfax newspapers of a deliberate misrepresentation for suggesting a report on religious freedom to the government would give religious schools the right to turn away gay students and teachers.

Speaking on Sky News tonight, the Prime Minister said a report by Philip Ruddock on religious freedom which has been handed to the government but no considered by Cabinet, actually focused on the interests of the child as the prime consideration in decision making.

“Fairfax deliberately misrepresented that report,’’ Mr Morrison said. “And I’m surprised so many people actually bought their line.’’

Mr Morrison emphatically declared that he was not comfortable with any child being turned away from a school on the basis on their sexuality.

“I don’t think if someone is at a school they should be kicked out because they have a different sexuality to what might be believed to be the appropriate thing by particular religious,’’ Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison attacked Bill Shorten and his deputy Tanya Plibersek saying the existing law that allowed a school to refuse to admit a student or teacher on religious grounds had been introduced by Labor.

“They put it in. They failed to ensure that in those cases the primary of the interests of the child should be what is foremost in the minds of those making decisions under the law.

“Now that is what Philip’s report is suggesting should happen.’’

Mr Morrison said it was outrageous to suggest that the government was considering discriminating against children because of different sexualities.

“We do not think that children should be discriminated against,’’ Mr Morrison said.