Page 2260 - Week 07 - Thursday, 27 August 2020
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and Road Safety and Minister for Mental Health) (3.40): The Greens support the approach that the Chief Minister has outlined. We believe that is the better way to proceed with it. There has been quite some discussion with a range of organisations over recent weeks since the bill has been tabled, and there has been advice from the lawyers within the government about the best way to proceed on this. We believe the pathway proposed by the Chief Minister is a better path.
I note that the amendments from the Canberra Liberals were circulated shortly before midday today, and so there has been limited opportunity to consider those. I think that Mr Coe has made a comment that this has been rushed through, but given that the bill has been tabled for at least two weeks, I am surprised at the lateness with which these proposed amendments arrived at the Assembly.
MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (3.41): Firstly, in response to Mr Rattenbury, given the government circulated an amendment only yesterday, it is a bit rich to have a go at us for the late circulation of amendments. We disagree with the government’s approach. I am concerned that it is not going to have the same effect as it would inserting what Mr Rattenbury said in his speech in the legislation.
Amendment negatived.
Clause 7.
MR BARR (Kurrajong—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Social Inclusion and Equality, Minister for Tourism and Special Events and Minister for Trade, Industry and Investment) (3.42): I seek leave to move amendments to this bill that have not been considered by the scrutiny committee.
Leave granted.
MR BARR: I move amendment No 1 circulated in my name [see schedule 5 at page 2329] and table a supplementary explanatory statement. This amendment introduces a new example under section 7 exemptions on the definition of sexuality and gender identity conversion, and it inserts a further note under the same section. The note references the right of every Canberran to freely exercise and express their religious beliefs, as is guaranteed under the territory’s Human Rights Act. The note also highlights that it is not intended that mere expressions of religious tenets or beliefs relating to sexuality or gender identity would constitute a conversion practice; nor would failing to provide support to a person.
The definition of conversion practices is intended to cover practices that actively seek to change the sexuality or gender identity of a person, and instances where someone purports to change the sexuality or gender identity of a person. It is not intended that mere expressions of religious beliefs or tenets relating to sexuality or gender identity would constitute a conversion practice, and nor would failing to provide support to a person.
Many stakeholders have requested a specific exemption in the bill for religious teaching and guidance. The government does not believe that the definition as drafted
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