According to the SMH, the Victorian government is considering passing legislations allowing religious groups to discriminate against gays and single mothers. This means that churches can choose not to employ anyone they believe undermines their beliefs. In return for such concessions, the organisations cannot discriminate based on race, age, disability, political beliefs, breastfeeding and other physical features.

That the Victorian government views such trade-offs as acceptable is worrying.

Firstly, to allow discrimination on certain minority groups (but not others) is hardly justifiable within Australia's democratic framework.

Secondly, if gays and single mothers are allowed to be discriminated, it sends a signal to the general population including employers, communities and other non-governmental organisations that these individuals can be treated differently, at least in the workplace.

Moreover, religious organisations have an 'educational' role in Australian society. Allowing them to discriminate against certain minorities implies to its church-goers that their religious beliefs are more sacrosanct than the state's liberal and democratic norms and values.

Some might argue that religious groups should be allowed to discriminate due to the principle of the separation of the church and the state. Moreover, companies can choose not to employ individuals who do not adhere to company policies or their organisational aims.

Both are however weak arguments at best. Firstly, religious organisations are separated from the state but not above norms and laws. If this law is passed, this means they are allowed to discriminate against single mothers and gays at the workplace, which is contravenes federal legislations such as the Sex Discrimination Act which prohibits discrimination based on marital status. Similarly, gays can lodge a complaint against employers who discriminate them at the workplace (including refusing them a job due to their sexuality). It is difficult to see how these groups can work around this issue.

Secondly, even though employers may discriminate individuals who do not subscribe to companies' aims, this is only in relation to their work abilities. Most employers can dismiss staff if they are incompetent or when they refuse to do their job. It is ridiculous to expect companies monitor employees' whole-hearted subscription to their corporate vision.

The final nail in the coffin is the subjective argument that excludes people who might undermine their beliefs. Who is to say that gays and single mothers can't be devout and outspoken church-goers or believers?