QLD
Write to your MP
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Sending your letter
By Post: MP not found
By email: MP not found
Writing Guide
An effective email is polite, friendly and short.
Emails are first read by the MP’s staff, who are extremely busy and are usually dealing with a very full inbox. If they can quickly scan the email and understand your point, they are able to convey your concerns to the MP – especially if dozens of other people have also written expressing the same issues.
Introduce
Address them as “Dear MP not found”, or “Dear MP not found”
Introduce yourself and say where you live, something about your family, community, or church/mosque/temple etc.
Concerns
Say that you are writing about the draft Anti-Discrimination bill.
Say that you are concerned that the bill will undermine religious organisations (or religious freedom) in Queensland. You could mention:
- It will stop religious organisations and schools from employing people who live out their faith
- It introduces tough restrictions on speech
- Judges will be authorised to decide what is “reasonable” for religious organisations
- The law allows politicians and other groups to choose who they employ, so faith groups should be able to do the same.
Attach the letter
Say that you have attached a letter from heads of faith explaining their concerns (see more details below)
Your request
Ask the MP for a response – will they oppose this legislation?
Conclude
Thank the MP for their attention and their service to the electorate.
Ensure you include your name and address. This is so the MP’s staff can confirm that you are a member of their electorate. Letters without an address are often ignored
Attach the letter
This letter has been written by faith leaders to all MPs to point out concerns with the draft legislation.
We recommend you don’t simply put the link in your email, but make it an attachment. Attachments to emails are usually taken more seriously than links.
Example email text
This letter is provided as an example. It is always best to write your own letter, however this example is based on a few of the discussion points above and is provided to help you start.
If you are basing your letter off this template, make sure you replace the sections in **[brackets]**
Dear MP not found,
or Dear MP not found,
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[write a paragraph about yourself, include what suburb you live in or how you are connected to the MP’s electorate. You might mention your family, your cultural background, your faith, what church or place of worship you attend]
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I am writing to express concerns regarding the new draft of the anti-discrimination bill which presents a significant challenge to churches, mosques, temples, and other religious organisations. Current provisions within the bill impede the ability of faith groups to select staff members who share and embody the beliefs of the faith. Religious organisations thrive when they can foster a community linked by shared values and principles, and the ability to employ personnel who live out these faith values is integral. This ensures the authenticity of the religious group’s mission and enhances the support they offer to the community.
Faith-based organisations should be treated on an equal basis with other types of organisations. However, the draft bill creates a double standard by imposing different rules on religious organisations. Included with this letter is a document signed by numerous faith leaders, which outlines their concerns with the proposed legislation.
Could you please indicate your stance on this matter? I would like to know whether you will stand up for religious freedom and support the right of faith groups to maintain their religious identity through their employment practices. It is critical that the bill is reviewed and rejected to uphold these principles. Your feedback on these issues would be greatly appreciated.
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[enter your name, address and phone number. Your address is needed so MPs know you are legitimately from their electorate.]
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Authorised by Mike Southon, Freedom for Faith, 168 Chalmers St, Surry Hills NSW