The Commissioner for Children and Young People believes that the draft Religious Discrimination Bill 2019 goes against what children and young people have told the Commissioner they want from today’s society and institutions.
They have said that what they want most is to feel safe, included, accepted and respected as valued members of society.
The negative outcomes that could result from the passing of such a bill could have direct adverse effects on children, especially their mental health, wellbeing, and feeling of safety and security within the community.
It is also likely to lower their levels of trust in community leaders and organisations, schools and institutions, and their own government.