So
the Government is legislating to redefine human rights in Australia based on
religious beliefs and doctrine. Divorcees, people in same sex relationships, people
in defacto relationships and single/unmarried parents could become obvious
victims of this legislation.
Is
the beginning of a very slippery slope?
Many
religions have unique dress codes which seem to be more human than divine in
their origin. Should someone be refused a job because they do not want to wear
a silly hat?
Religious
leaders themselves could also get caught up in this. Many teachings identify a
Sabbath day and keep it holy and sacred. One rule in support of this is to not
work on the Sabbath. It can be argued by many that the Sabbath is the only day
of the week ministers of religion work. If they can deny someone a job because
they might become pregnant then at the end of the next sermon all ministers of
religion should be fired.
Relationship
status seems to be a significant issue in these laws. Who knew that Facebook
updates could be so important? In the Catholic church I expect people who are
not continuously pregnant (or impregnating their wife – for the men) that they
should also be at risk of discrimination. A couple’s barrenness or small family
size being cited as irrefutable evidence of their use of contraception.
Due
directionally challenged people whose religion observes prayer facing a
particular way run the risk of discrimination? Just because one can’t read a
compass or face due west does that mean they are not a good accountant?
Christian
churches celebrate the Eucharist/Holy Communion consisting of wine and
unleavened bread. Watch out if you are fructose or gluten intolerant, because
your church might now be intolerant of you.
Religions
also have obscure rules in their past. Weren’t redheads once considered the
devil’s children? This could be the real reason Nicole Kidman left Tom Cruise,
as a redhead she was not acceptable to the Church of Scientology. What about
people that have strawberry-blonde hair? Where does it stop?
This
leaves the door open for religions to just make up rules to suit their purposes
(something history shows us religion is very apt at doing). People under a
certain height, overweight, bad teeth/hair/fashion, people with a supernumerary
nipple, twins, IVF births, poor people, left handers, role game players and
historical battle re-enactors, poor table manners. Will there be a split
between cat and dog lovers?
It
could be fun being on the interview panel when it comes to giving feedback.
“Thankyou Ms Fletcher, your references are impeccable,
work typing speed and telephone manner are the best we have ever seen.
Unfortunately your medical shows that you were born with two webbed toes so
there is no way we can hire you as a receptionist.
And
you call yourself Ms, not Miss or Mrs, that means you must be a lesbian. That
must mean you play women’s cricket. Do the webbed toes make running for a quick
single harder or easier?"
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