Cory Bernardi (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 669 standing in my name and the name of Senator Stephens for today relating to Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani be taken as a formal motion. I also indicate that I will be adding the name of Senator Fawcett to the motion.

Leave granted.

I, and also on behalf of Senator Stephens and Senator Fawcett, move:

That the Senate—

  (a)   supports freedom of religion as a universal human right;

  (b)   does not support the imprisonment or persecution of individuals on the basis of their religious belief;

  (c)   calls on the Iranian authorities to release Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani who has been sentenced to death for the sole reason of his refusal to recant his Christian faith;

  (d)   recognises that this action is a breach of Iran’s international obligations, its own constitution and stated religious values; and

  (e)   stands in solidarity with Pastor Nadarkhani, his family and all those who seek to practise their religion without fear of persecution.

Question agreed to.