Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I add Senator Ryan to the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senators Antic, Stoker, McKenzie, Fierravanti-Wells, Van, McDonald, Abetz, McGrath, McMahon, Molan, Paterson, Davey, Scarr, O'Sullivan, Askew, Rennick, Small, Brockman, Hughes, McLachlan, Chandler, Bragg, Henderson, Dean Smith and Ryan, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) on 18 November 2020, State of Origin 3 was held at Suncorp Stadium with a capacity crowd in attendance,

  (ii) most state governments maintain restrictions on church attendance,

  (iii) some states prohibit singing at church, yet attendees at stadiums can cheer and shout for their teams,

  (iv) the freedom to express one's religious views is a fundamental right for all Australians,

  (v) Christmas Day is one of the most important days on the Christian calendar, and

  (vi) this year, during a time of uncertainty, Australians want more than ever the opportunity to come together to celebrate the birth of Christ; and

(b) calls on all state governments to ease restrictions on church attendance, and other restrictions, before Christmas so they are no more restrictive than those pertaining to football games, and allow more Australians to express their religious rights this Christmas.