David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Leyonhjelm again misinterprets the amendment. The amendment is to prevent the appointment. I would have thought, as a libertarian, Senator Leyonhjelm would have supported an amendment that prevented the forced appointment of someone who had a conscientious objection. The amendment is intended to highlight they have an individual right, so the ADF will choose someone else to make the appointment. Once they are appointed, as Senator Leyonhjelm said, they absolutely have an obligation to follow through and conduct the wedding, but the intention is to respect the right of someone to say, 'I prefer not to have the appointment, because of my belief.'

The CHAIR: The question is that the amendments (1) to (13) on sheet 8328, moved by Senator Fawcett, be agreed to.