Christian lobby groups push major parties to support unamended religious discrimination bill

Christian lobby groups are pressing both major parties to recommit to the unamended religious discrimination bill as Labor guarantees to extend the chaplaincy program with a secular choice for schools.

The opposition is being pressured by Christian Schools Australia to ditch its proposed changes to the religious discrimination bill.

In February Labor helped pass the religious discrimination bill in the lower house but, along with five Liberal MPs who crossed the floor, added amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act to protect LGBTQ+ students.

Facing a revolt from conservatives who found the amendments unacceptable, the Morrison government shelved the bill, which did not pass the Senate despite bipartisan support for banning discrimination on the grounds of religion.

Bondar said Morrison must commit to pass the bill.

Labor had called for a range of other amendments banning racial vilification and removing the controversial statements of belief clause.

On Saturday Guardian Australia revealed claims by a former chaplain that Schools Ministry Group, the second largest chaplaincy provider, imposes a code that discriminates against staff based on relationship status and sexual conduct.

In December an inquiry into mental health chaired by the Liberal MP Fiona Martin called for an independent evaluation of the chaplaincy program.

The education department has agreed to the independent evaluation, which is also a condition of the chaplaincy agreement with the states.