Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The bill provides, and I hope we can all agree with this, that simply stating in good faith one's religious beliefs or, in the case of an atheist, the fact that you don't have a belief in and of itself is not discrimination. If, Senator Rice, by the way you have put it, you're implying that it would be a malicious statement, it would be a statement perhaps with intent to intimidate, threaten or harass, then that clearly is not acceptable. But I would believe in Australia that the ability of people of faith and not of faith to freely discuss their religion or lack of religion, to freely be able to explain their religion or lack of religion is something that each and every one of us can support. But if it is malicious, as you say, Senator Rice, then no.