The Prime Minister will introduce a Religious Discrimination Bill into federal parliament sometime this week and then it’ll be referred to a Senate inquiry.

The move fulfills an election promise, but wont be voted on until next year. The Bill is designed to provide extra protection to people of faith.

Speaking with Oliver Peterson, Attorney General Michaelia Cash said the legislation means institutions run by religious organisations, like aged-care, can prioritise people from the same faith.

“There is an exemption in the legislation that allows them to preference in employment,” she said.

“That’s because it’s recognised [for example] a Catholic school should be able to employ Catholics if they’re going to act in accordance within their beliefs.”

However, Senator Cash said this situation can only occur if there is a “publicly stated policy” setting out why the organisation would preference in employment.

“That’s so we have transparency across the board,” she said.

The Attorney-General compared the Bill to other acts of protection such as the Race Discrimination Act, Sex Discrimination Act and Age Discrimination Act.

“What we don’t have is a stand alone piece of legislation to protect people of faith against discrimination,” said Senator Cash.

“And this Bill will change all of that.”

The Bill is not designed to protect people who make malicious, threatening or intimidating statements.

“What this Bill does provide, is that a person is able to make a statement of belief in good faith and that will not constitute discrimination,” said Senator Cash.

“What this Bill does is protect the statement in itself but if you act on that statement in a detrimental way you will lose the protection of the Bill.”

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