The Place of the Child in Recent Australian Debate about Freedom of Religion and Belief

Abstract

Political and legal debate about freedom of religion and belief (FoRB) in Australia has intensified since the same-sex marriage postal survey in 2017. Central to this debate has been children, their parents and institutions (Schools). This paper outlines the place of children in the Australian FoRB since 2017, focusing on the same-sex marriage postal survey debate and subsequent reviews into FoRB. In particular, it highlights the links drawn between same-sex marriage or marriage equality and the Safe School Coalition Australia campaign, the emphasis on parental rights in relation to education about marriage in schools, and the ongoing debate about potential reform to Australia’s suite of anti-discrimination laws, including the failed federal Religious Discrimination Bill.

Keywords

• freedom of religion
• children and religion
• church and state
• law and religion
• right of the child