National Secular Lobby

National Secular Lobby

@secularlobby.bsky.social

Advancing separation of religion and government in Australia.

292 followers25 following235 posts

National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Tasmania's Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Guy Barnett says the Greens’ Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill 2026 risks criminalising religious conversations and prayers. Does it? www.nsl.org.au/resources/fa...

nsl.org.auFACT-CHECK: Does the Tasmanian conversion bill really criminalise prayer? - National Secular LobbyTasmania’s House of Assembly is soon due to debate the Greens’ Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill 2026. Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Guy Barnett says the bill risks criminalising religious c...
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

WA Greens leader Brad Pettitt wants religious exemptions removed or minimised in the state's Equal Opportunity reforms. OUTinPerth reports Labor will likely need Greens support in the upper house to get the bill passed. #wapolitics #auspol www.outinperth.com/greens-say-t...

outinperth.comGreens say they'd like religious exemptions removed from Equal Opportunity reformsWA Greens leader Brad Pettitt welcomes equal opportunity reforms but seeks reduced religious exemptions for religious schools.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

WA’s proposed Equal Opportunity Act rewrite would stop religious schools sacking teachers or expelling students over sexuality, or rejecting students with disability. The religion exemption stays. The bill is due to be introduced today. #wapolitics #auspol www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10...

abc.net.auNew laws to prevent WA schools discriminating against LGBTQIA+ staff, studentsThe WA government has proposed new laws to ban religious schools from sacking teachers or expelling students due to their sexuality, or rejecting students due to a disability.

National Secular Lobby reposted

Lucy Hamilton
@lucyham.bsky.social

Ben Small, who seems to be trying to provide cover for the Plymouth Brethren here, is a Liberal politician for WA. The Plymouth Brethren worked hard to get the Libs into government. Charge all the taxes they’ve been exempted from, retrospectively. #Auspol

stranger@strangerous.bsky.social

Andrew Gee fires up slamming Ben Small for “providing a protection racket” for Plymouth Brethren Gareth Hales after the church leader can’t even answer on if he has any concern about two of his members engaging Linda Reynolds to access a secure AEC database. 🔥 Just disgraceful.

National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Brethren leader Bruce Hales faces the federal electoral matters committee on Friday. Ex-members say the church directed its election activity. A finding of electioneering could put its charities’ tax concessions at risk. #auspol www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...

theage.com.auBrethren a controlling sect, not a religion, former and current members sayThe secretive church’s leader Bruce Hales faces a high-stakes showdown with a parliamentary committee on Friday.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Melbourne supporters may like to attend a free public talk by scholar Luke Beck entitled "When Australian Governments Pray: Religious Privilege and the Fair Go" on Thursday, 12 November 2026, as part of Monash Law's Professorial Lecture Series. RSVP here: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/when-austr...

eventbrite.com.auWhen Australian Governments Pray: Religious Privilege and the Fair GoJoin Monash Law for the next installment of the Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series with Professor Luke Beck.

National Secular Lobby reposted

Queenslanders for End of Life Legal Options
@q4eollo.fyi

VADCON is on soon - 19-20 Oct in Melbourne, a conference dedicated solely to voluntary assisted dying (VAD). VADCON offers unparalleled opportunities to learn from real-world practice, stay across emerging evidence, understand changing legislative landscapes, & connect with peers www.vadcon.com.au

vadcon.com.auVoluntary Assisted Dying ConferenceVADCON is the only conference in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand dedicated solely to voluntary assisted dying (VAD). Whether you are involved in delivering VAD, shaping policy, supporting families,...
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

NSW inquiry into Redeemer Baptist School hears ex-students allege teachers shared beds with pupils on camps and the principal walked naked past a child. Church elders declined to appear, citing HSC exams. #auspol #nswpol www.theage.com.au/national/nsw...

theage.com.auSydney private school made students share bed with teachers, inquiry hearsThe principal has been accused of walking in front of a child while naked during a homestay arrangement, parliament has heard.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

The Australian College of Nursing wants the Criminal Code amended so practitioners can deliver lawful voluntary assisted dying care by telehealth. It says current provisions mean practitioners risk fines above $360,000. #auspol #assisteddying theaimn.net/acn-urges-pr...

theaimn.netACN urges Prime Minister to end telehealth ban on voluntary assisted dyingMedia Release: The Australian College of Nursing Key facts: The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling for amendments to the Commonwealth Criminal C...
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Allegra Spender will introduce a bill next week to protect students and teachers at religious schools from discrimination over sexuality, gender identity or marital status. Faith-based hiring would remain. #auspol www.outinperth.com/allegra-spen...

outinperth.comAllegra Spender announces she'll introduce bill to protect students and teachers from discriminationMP Allegra Spender will introduce legislation aimed at preventing discrimination against students and teachers in religious schools.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Pauline Hanson has guested on her podcast and Joyce has spoken at her rally. NSW One Nation's Newman told her crowd his party wanted abortion stopped, then backtracked a day later. Now Joanna Howe is speaking out against consent education. #auspol www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...

theage.com.auShe’s an Australian law professor. Her husband says they ‘don’t do consent’Dr Joanna Howe, a Rhodes scholar, has become one of Australia’s most recognisable, prolific, and aggressive anti-abortion activists.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

A preacher's call to "take up arms" against Christians and Jews has revived the hate speech law debate. Spender, Hanson and Jewish leaders want stronger powers; Labor's post-Bondi proposal was shelved. #auspol www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...

theage.com.auHanson, Spender both call for crack down on hate preachersFresh debate over hate speech laws, which have long been a thorny issue in Australian politics, has come on the same day that British authorities foiled an alleged terror plot.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

The Age: an associate of the preacher linked to the Bondi shooters has urged followers to "take up arms" against Christians and Jews, reviving pressure on major parties who shelved plans to rein in hate preachers. #auspol www.theage.com.au/politics/fed...

theage.com.auAustralian preacher linked to notorious Sydney cleric urges followers to ‘take up arms’The emergence of a preacher linked to Wissam Haddad, who was associated with Bondi gunman Naveen Akram, will place renewed focus on extremism 10 months after one of Australia’s worst terror attacks.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Pastor Margaret Court wants WA parliament to keep Christian prayers and add the Ten Commandments in schools, as a review weighs a secular option. The Rationalist Society says WA needs religion-neutral institutions. #WAPolitics #auspol rationalist.com.au/pastor-marga...

rationalist.com.auPastor Margaret Court calls on WA govt to keep prayers in parliament, argues schools need Ten Commandments | Rationalist Society of AustraliaPentecostal pastor Margaret Court has called on the West Australian Labor government to continue requiring the observance of Christian prayers at the opening of every day in parliament and had argued ...
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

A US extremism report again lists the Australian Christian Lobby and FamilyVoice among groups campaigning against LGBTQ+ rights, especially trans equality. The report's main focus is One Nation's rise and neo-Nazi networks that have kept organising despite bans. www.outinperth.com/new-gpahe-re...

outinperth.comNew GPAHE Report examines far-right networks and anti-LGBTQIA+ activism in AustraliaA new GPAHE report argues far-right and anti-LGBTQIA+ networks remain active in Australia despite recent government action.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Catholic Schools NSW and Victoria's Catholic Education — both registered charities — told parents not to vote Greens or teal in 2025. #nswpol #springst #auspol https://rationalist.com.au/actions-of-catholic-school-authorities-appear-to-fly-under-the-radar-of-parliaments-election-review/

rationalist.com.auActions of Catholic school authorities appear to fly under the radar of parliament’s election review | Rationalist Society of AustraliaCatholic school authorities that "cautioned" parents against voting a certain way during the 2025 federal election period appear to have so far avoided scrutiny in the federal parliament’s inquiry into the conduct of the election. While much of the committee’s focus has been on the alleged behaviour of the Plymouth Brethren Church, formerly known as
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Read NSL's submission to the NSW Law Reform Commission review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). #nswpol https://www.nsl.org.au/resources/submissions/submission-to-the-nsw-law-reform-commission-review-of-the-anti-discrimination-act-1977-nsw/

nsl.org.auSubmission to the NSW Law Reform Commission review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW) - National Secular LobbyNSL's submission to the NSW Law Reform Commission review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), September 2026.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

NSW One Nation leader Mike Newman told an anti-abortion rally he'd pursue tighter abortion controls if elected in March, backing a bill to jail doctors over sex-selection abortions. Greens call it an attempt at re-criminalisation. #nswpol #auspol www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...

abc.net.auNSW One Nation leader vows to fight for abortion controlsThe NSW leader of One Nation has told a rally outside state parliament that he will seek tighter controls on abortion if his party is successful in the March election.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Four Corners: Edmund Rice Education Australia — 61 Catholic schools, $732.7m taxpayer funding last year — moves to cut ties with the insolvent, abuse-plagued Christian Brothers. Survivors still await settlements. #auspol www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...

abc.net.auCatholic schools body moves to cut ties with Christian BrothersA national organisation set up by the Christian Brothers that runs 61 Catholic schools across Australia is considering severing its ties with the order amid mounting tensions over abuse payouts.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

More revealing FOI documents concerning WA government funding of religious chaplaincy were released this week. Welcome to the 5 September 2026 edition of the NSL Weekend Wrap, your weekly round-up of news and views on Australian #secular issues! #auspol #secularism www.nsl.org.au/columns/week...

nsl.org.auWeekend Wrap for 5 September 2026 - National Secular LobbyCatch up on the latest Australian secular news with the NSL's Weekend Wrap for 5 September 2026.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Tasmania's AG Guy Barnett calls the Greens' conversion-practices ban "extreme", claiming it could criminalise prayer — though the bill exempts religion. Premier Rockliff backs a ban; the ACL opposes it. #auspol #taspol www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08...

abc.net.auTasmania's premier and deputy potentially at odds over conversion banTasmania's Deputy Premier Guy Barnett has written to an anti-trans feminist group labelling the Greens' bill to ban conversion practices as "fundamentally flawed". His views potentially put him at odd...
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

The NT has passed voluntary assisted dying laws — VAD is now legal in every Australian state and territory. It passed despite Catholic Church opposition, but with a 12-month prognosis limit and a gag clause on doctors. #auspol #assisteddying www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08...

abc.net.auVoluntary assisted dying legal nationwide after laws pass NT parliamentVoluntary assisted dying laws have passed the Northern Territory Parliament tonight, in a move that will legalise the practice across Australia.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

The NT is set to be the last Australian jurisdiction to legalise voluntary assisted dying. Its bill has conscientious-objection clauses for religious providers and a debated "gag" rule stopping doctors raising VAD. https://au.news.yahoo.com/assisted-dying-clause-gagging-doctors-190000983.html

au.news.yahoo.comAssisted dying clause gagging doctors defendedThe only Australian jurisdiction yet to legalise end-of-life choice is debating a voluntary assisted dying bill facing multiple proposed amendments.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

One Nation's Malcolm Roberts told a Christian "Church and State" conference he's "in two minds" on whether gay people deserve equal rights. Equality Australia calls it "chilling" that rights are treated as debatable. #auspol www.outinperth.com/one-nation-s...

outinperth.comOne Nation senator says he's undecided if gay people deserve equal rightsOne Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts faces criticism after remarks at a religious conference about gay rights and sexuality.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

A federal "born alive" bill — the third identical attempt in five years — was introduced on 17 Aug as the Australian Christian Lobby rallied at Parliament House. Researchers say it's misinformation dressed as human rights, likely unconstitutional. #auspol theconversation.com/anti-abortio...

theconversation.comAnti-abortion rhetoric is becoming entrenched in Australian right-wing politicsA new ‘born alive’ bill has been brought before federal parliament. While it won’t pass, it reveals the strategies of the growing anti-abortion push.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

The government blocked a bill to allow telehealth for voluntary assisted dying, defying Labor’s conference. A federal “carriage service” law still bars phone consults, forcing dying rural patients to travel for care. #auspol theconversation.com/view-from-th...

theconversation.comView from The Hill: government shuts down telehealth-for-VAD bill, defying Labor conferenceIndependent MP Kate Chaney has jumped on the results of the Labor conference to push her VAD bill for debate.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

ICAC's Operation Rosny alleges Catholic Schools NSW — which funds ~600 schools — branch-stacked Liberal branches on work time and made donations over legal caps. Its CEO has stood aside; teachers want oversight. #auspol #nswpol www.theage.com.au/national/nsw...

theage.com.au‘No defence of this’: A reckoning in Catholic schools as teachers want answersThe union representing Catholic school teachers wants greater transparency after a corruption inquiry alleged its peak body funnelled cash to Liberal Party operatives.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

Australia's antisemitism inquiry wants hate preachers and criminals barred from running charities. The regulator says religious charities' exemptions should end — it currently has no power to remove their 'responsible persons'. #auspol cathnews.com/2026/08/11/c...

cathnews.comCall to ban hate preachers and criminals from running charities - CathNewsPeople who preach hate, spread bigotry or have serious criminal convictions would be barred from running charities under changes called for in the antisemitism royal commission. Source: The Australian...
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

New Victorian Premier Ben Carroll pledges to fund public schools to the full Schooling Resource Standard — the Gonski benchmark behind the public-vs-private-and-religious funding divide — before November’s poll. #auspol #springst www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08...

abc.net.auVictorian premier pledges to lift school funding to meet Gonski standardsNew premier Ben Carroll says Victoria will fulfil the state's funding obligations to public schools under the Gonski plan.
National Secular Lobby
@secularlobby.bsky.social

The Rationalist Society is pressing Albanese to reveal his reply to bishops who lobbied in 2024 to reverse census religion question changes, and whether politics swayed the ABS wording that undercounts non-believers. #auspol #census rationalist.com.au/rsa-question...

rationalist.com.auRSA questions Prime Minister over his response to bishops’ Census request | Rationalist Society of AustraliaThe Rationalist Society of Australia has asked the Prime Minister to confirm what his response was to the Catholic bishops’ request in 2024 for him to “reverse” the proposed changes to the Census reli...