Family First National Director and NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton says the findings of the newly released Australian Christian Freedom Index should serve as a wake-up call for Christians and all Australians who value freedom.
The report, based on a survey of more than 10,800 Christians and a detailed review of legislation, court cases and cultural trends, found that 92 per cent of Christians believe it is now riskier to publicly express their faith than it was five years ago. Almost half reported self-censoring their beliefs. Victoria was ranked the most restrictive state for Christian freedom.
Mr Shelton said the report confirmed why Family First is standing candidates at this year's Victorian election and next year's New South Wales election.
"The findings show that Christian freedom is not being lost by accident. It is being steadily eroded by politicians passing laws that elevate radical identity politics above fundamental freedoms," Mr Shelton said.
"The report documents a dramatic increase in legal, institutional and cultural restrictions on Christian expression, with many of the most concerning laws having been enacted in the past five years."
The Australian Christian Freedom Index found that religious freedom is increasingly treated by governments as an exemption to be granted rather than a fundamental right that should be protected. It highlighted anti-vilification laws, restrictions on religious expression concerning sexuality and gender, and regulatory burdens on faith-based institutions as key areas of concern.
Mr Shelton said many of the restrictions identified in the report could be traced directly to the political momentum generated by the redefinition of marriage and the growing influence of the LGBTQA+ political lobby.
"Before marriage was redefined, Australians were assured that no one would lose any freedoms and that people would be free to hold different views.
"The opposite has occurred.
"Since then, we have seen an explosion of laws and policies relating to gender identity, sexuality and anti-vilification provisions that are increasingly being used to silence dissenting voices and marginalise Christians from public life."
Mr Shelton said his own seven-year legal battle with drag queens over comments warning parents about 'Drag Queen Story Time' events for children was an example of the pressures documented in the report.
"Kirralie Smith has been dragged through the courts for defending women's sport. Kathy Clubb has a criminal record for expressing her Christian beliefs. Many ordinary Australians now think twice before expressing views that were considered mainstream only a few years ago.
"That is not a healthy democracy."
Mr Shelton said Family First would fight to restore freedom of speech and freedom of religion if elected to the Victorian and New South Wales parliaments.
"Family First will oppose and seek to wind back laws that restrict legitimate Christian expression, parental rights and freedom of conscience.
"Australians should be free to respectfully express Christian beliefs about marriage, family, human sexuality and the protection of children without fear of legal punishment or professional ruin.
"The Australian Christian Freedom Index shows the stakes could not be higher.
"Unless Christians and other freedom-loving Australians become politically engaged, the freedoms previous generations took for granted will continue to disappear."
