THE free speech credentials of controversial new anti-discrimination laws have been questioned by the Australian Christian Lobby.

The legislation introduced to State Parliament is aimed at providing exceptions for people to discuss issues including the same-sex marriage debate if those views are an expression of religious beliefs.

But the Australian Christian Lobby has joined a chorus of groups critical of the new laws.

media_camera Premier Will Hodgman. Pictures: LUKE BOWDEN

ACL Tasmanian director Mark Brown said the amendments did not remove the anti-free speech elements in the Act and meant Tasmanian laws would continue to be out of line with international standards.

“We do not believe that it achieves the stated goal, to better protect freedom of speech for all Tasmanians,” Mr Brown said.

“The ACL believes that the addition of a defence for religious purpose will likely only provide safeguards for a select group of Tasmanians with a religious motive.

“This does not protect free speech for the entire community and is unhelpful insofar as it sends the message that religious people are receiving special exemptions to do things which would otherwise be immoral.”

He said a significant number of Tasmanians did not have a religious basis for their objections to contentious issues such as same-sex marriage.

“These people will also be left out in the cold and will continue to be exposed to legal action simply for expressing a view.”

media_camera Greens leader Cassy O’Connor.

Premier Will Hodgman defended the Bill in State Parliament yesterday.

“You’re quite happy to use your argument to allow groups of artists or academics or scientists or researchers to engage in what you would categorise as hate speech, but you won’t allow those with a religious perspective,” Mr Hodgman said in response to Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor.

Opposition leader Bryan Green has described the laws as unfair, unwarranted and unnecessary.

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