Dumped discrimination reform leaves vulnerable unprotected

Labor has dumped its own plans for widespread discrimination reform, demonstrating they don't have the courage of their convictions on social reform, say Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne and Greens Attorney-General Spokesperson Penny Wright.

"This is nonsensical. The anti-discrimination reforms had every chance of succeeding in Parliament so why has Labor turned tail and given up on equality again? " Senator Christine Milne said.

"The timing issue is just an excuse from the Attorney-General.

"Labor has lost the political will to protect human rights.

"The Australian Greens were willing to work with the Government to get this Bill through before the election, because it proposed much needed protections for some of the most vulnerable people in our community."

"The steps to improve the Sex Discrimination Act are welcome and long overdue, but failing to act on other areas sells short many Australians." Greens Attorney-General Spokesperson Senator Penny Wright said.

"It leaves victims of domestic violence open to discrimination; it means religious organisations will be able to continue discriminating against members of the public; and it means taking action against discrimination will remain too complex and challenging.

"The purpose of the law reform was to raise protections to the highest standard and make discrimination claims clear and simple. It was common sense. It is a shame to lose this because Labor does not have the courage of its convictions." 

*Senator Wright is a member of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee which recently completed an inquiry into the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012.