A Classic Liberals government will allow freedom of religion as a right but only to the extent that it does not conflict with Australia’s core values.
This freedom of religion includes the freedom not to be religious, the freedom to establish a religion and the freedom to criticise and challenge any religion, but not to be abusive of those who practice that religion.
That freedom of religion comes with a responsibility, a responsibility to tolerate challenges and criticism of one’s religion. It is also conditional – it may not teach or preach hatred or advocate harm on any who leave (or threaten to leave) the religion or to those who do not practice that religion. Where ancient texts require, recommend or suggest harm on others, those texts must be removed or revoked by the religious leaders. Harsh consequences await those who preach or advocate those texts.
A Classic Liberals government will not tolerate any intolerant religion or religious teaching and will not tolerate any religion that wishes harm on others. Any person of any faith must feel safe and comfortable in any part of Australia.
A Classic Liberals government will also ensure that both junior and high school syllabuses include religious education that is designed to give students at least a fundamental understanding of each of the world’s main religions as well as atheism.