Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer maintains 'concerns' about government religious freedom bill

The government plans to start debate on the bill next week, which includes a "statements of belief" privilege that could override state-based laws, and protects religious speech and practice that discriminates.

It would allow religious schools to give preference to people of the same religion when making appointments.

Ms Archer this week said she did not "see a need" for the laws and reserved the right to cross the floor if necessary.

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She said she did not want it to impact Tasmania's laws, which were hard-fought in the 1990s.

"[I] still have concerns about the bill and its impact on Tasmanian law, our laws are robust and effective and I don't want to see those hard-fought protections eroded," Ms Archer said.

Equality Tasmania feared that, in its current form, the federal government's bill would override a section of Tasmania's Anti-Discrimination Act by allowing humiliating, intimidating, insulting and ridiculing conduct in the name of religion.

Equality Tasmania also had concerns that the laws would erode protections in Tasmania for employees working at faith-based organisations.

Spokesperson Rodney Croome urged Tasmanian government MPs to reject the changes.

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"The bill is an arrogant attempt by the federal government to undermine Tasmania's strong discrimination protections, as well as the more tolerant and inclusive Tasmania those protections have fostered," he said.

Premier Peter Gutwein was questioned about the government's position on the bill, and he reiterated an earlier submission which raised its concerns.

"In addition to discussions with the Commonwealth during the consultation process, the (Attorney-General) has previously written to the federal Attorney-General to indicate that the Tasmanian Government is of the view that every member of our community should enjoy full freedom of religious belief and freedom of expression," he said.

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"It remains important that the laws strike the right balance between providing protection from discrimination and unlawful conduct while still allowing for the responsible expression of beliefs, public debate and discussion on important issues."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has maintained that the religious freedom bill had the right balance.

Towards the end of the 2020 parliamentary year, Ms Archer faced criticism after spoke out against an expansion of the cashless welfare card only to abstain from the vote which passed by one.

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