According to the census, 39% of Australians don’t follow a religion, a significantly larger number than any one religious denomination. Less than half of Australians indicate a belief in Christianity. 

Most Australians believe in the importance of maintaining a separation between church and state. 

So why is it that in 2022, many religions still enjoy special privileges under the law, and play a disproportionate role in public affairs? Why is it that Federal Parliament opens each sitting day with a Christian prayer?

We, the undersigned, are adding our voice to calls for true separation of church and state in Australia, and state neutrality in matters of religion.

Just as every Australian should be free to practice their religion without persecution or discrimination, we should also be free from undue influence over our lives by any one religion or faith group.

We’re calling on Australian Parliamentarians to urgently address this by:

• Removing exemptions from anti-discrimination legislation that allow religious organisations to discriminate against people
• Reforming the procedural rules of Federal Parliament to remove religious prayers, or replacing them with space for individuals to silently reflect or observe their own beliefs
• Including all religious institutions in mandatory reporting rules for child abuse
• Providing equitable access to secular wellbeing support in hospitals, schools, prisons and defence

For too long, some religions and churches have been able to exert undue influence on public life in this country. No person should be disadvantaged by their personal belief choices, nor should any religion hold a disproportionate amount of power.

For true separation of church and state, all Australians deserve to live in a country where they enjoy freedom of – and from – religion.