Same-sex survey: Bill Shorten says he’s a person of faith who’ll protect religious freedoms

Bill Shorten labels himself a “person of faith” whose party would block a same-sex marriage bill if it risked religious freedoms.

Bill Shorten says he and the Labor Party guarantee that same-sex legislation will not impinge upon religious freedom. Picture: Jason Edwards

Bill Shorten has labelled himself a “person of faith” and has vowed the Labor Party would not support legalising same-sex marriage unless religious freedoms were adequately protected.

The Opposition Leader echoed calls from Malcolm Turnbull this morning in saying he was a strong advocate of faith and the independence of religious institutions.

He said the Labor Party would block a bill to change the Marriage Act if it put religious freedoms at risk.

“I am a supporter of marriage equality, but I also have been raised to be a person of faith,” Mr Shorten said.

“I can give this guarantee to the Australian people: I and Labor not support legislation which impinges upon religious freedom in this country.”

Mr Shorten said former prime minister John Howard was wrong to say the government was not properly considering religious freedoms.

“John Howard has come out and criticised Turnbull and said somehow voting Yes in the postal survey will impinge upon religious freedom,” Mr Shorten said.

“What I promise Australians is that before the legislation for marriage equality is completed or voted on in parliament, we will make sure that concerns about religious freedom are met with and dealt with and are treated with respect.”