The Liberal-National Coalition has opposed a key Equality Bill.

The Liberal-National Coalition has decided to oppose a key equality Bill that would have improved the lives of thousands of residence in Victoria.

Minister for Equality Martin Foley said, “The Liberals can’t keep talking out of both sides of their mouths—they’re either for equality or they’re not.”

The Government introduced the Equal Opportunity Amendment (Religious Exceptions) Bill 2016 earlier this year. The Bill would protect Victorian workers from discrimination when seeking employment at religious bodies or schools.

The Bill would have ensured a fair and more contemporary balance between the right to religious freedom and the right to be free from discrimination.

However, before voting against the Bill, members of the Opposition were quoted with making offensive comments.

Robert Clark said, “I believe homosexual practices form a destructive way of life, destructive to the individual and destructive to other individuals who are brought into the way of life.”

Bernie Finn once again attacked the Safe Schools program, stating that it was a “premeditated deliberate attack on our children”.

In response, Minister For Equality Martin Foley stated, “Opposition members should hang their heads in shame. Their arguments were completely devoid of empathy and a willingness to consider that all Victorians should experience equal rights.”

The Andrews Labor Government also noted that Opposition MPs who have claimed to be LGBTI equality allies remained silent during the offensive remarks.

Foley said in response to this silence, “The Liberals can’t keep talking out of both sides of their mouths—they’re either for equality or they’re not.”

He also highlighted that “The Andrews Labor Government will continue to push for equality for all Victorians.”