Terra Australis recognizes that freedom of religion and belief is a human right and a part of Australia’s social fabric. Individuals are free to hold, practice, change, or reject religious beliefs without fear of discrimination, coercion, or intimidation.

However, the expression of religious belief must be balanced with the rights, safety, and dignity of others. Religious belief does not grant the right to pressure, intimidate, or harass individuals who do not share the same views. Terra Australis therefore supports clear and practical standards to ensure that religious freedom is protected while preventing abuse, coercion, and social harm.

Terra Australis defines religious harassment as conduct that involves persistent or unwanted attempts to convert others, impose religious beliefs, or pressure individuals to participate in religious practices. This includes behavior that creates discomfort, hostility, fear, or exclusion in workplaces, schools, public services, or community settings. Such conduct is comparable in seriousness to other forms of harassment, including sexual harassment, and must be treated accordingly.

This approach prioritizes the protection of core social values, including personal autonomy, equal treatment under the law, freedom of conscience, and the right to live without intimidation or undue influence. Safe, respectful, and cohesive communities depend on clear boundaries between personal belief and unacceptable coercive behavior.

Through balanced policy, legal clarity, and strong institutional oversight, Terra Australis aims to ensure that religious freedom strengthens Australia’s social harmony while safeguarding individual rights, social trust, and public safety for current and future generations.

Terra Australis submits the following outline as the foundation of its policy on religion and religious harassment. This framework is designed to protect freedom of belief while preventing coercion and abuse, supporting social cohesion, personal dignity, and equal opportunity for all Australians, regardless of faith or non-belief.

Terra Australis defines religious harassment as any persistent, unwanted, or coercive conduct intended to convert individuals, impose religious beliefs, or pressure participation in religious practices.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Repeated proselytising after refusal

• Religious intimidation or guilt-based pressure

• Distribution of religious material in a targeted or intrusive manner

• Linking employment, services, education, or social inclusion to religious compliance

• Creating a hostile, uncomfortable, or exclusionary environment based on belief or non-belief

Religious harassment is regarded as comparable in seriousness to other forms of harassment, including sexual harassment.

All individuals have the right to:

• Choose their own beliefs or lack thereof

• Decline religious discussion or participation

• Live free from coercion, pressure, or intimidation

Any religious engagement must be:

• Voluntary

• Respectful

• Cease immediately when declined

Failure to respect these boundaries constitutes religious harassment.

All workplaces, educational institutions, public services, and community organizations must ensure:

• Religious neutrality in official operations

• Equal treatment regardless of belief or non-belief

• Clear procedures for reporting religious harassment

• Protection from retaliation for complainants

Employers and institutions must:

• Investigate complaints promptly

• Apply proportionate disciplinary action

• Provide harassment-awareness training where required

All individuals are expected to:

• Respect freedom of conscience

• Refrain from targeted religious pressure

• Avoid behavior that undermines social cohesion or public trust

• Conduct religious expression in a manner that does not interfere with others’ rights

Public spaces must remain accessible and safe for all Australians, regardless of belief.

Individuals found responsible for serious or repeated religious harassment may be subject to a formal behavioral probation period of up to five (5) years.

This period is intended to:

• Prevent continued harm

• Encourage lawful and respectful conduct

• Protect victims and the wider community

• Reinforce acceptable social boundaries

During probation, individuals may be required to:

• Obey all relevant harassment and discrimination laws

• Avoid targeted religious outreach

• Attend behavioral correction or civil conduct programs

• Comply with monitoring or reporting conditions

• Maintain lawful community conduct

Failure to comply will trigger enforcement review.

Terra Australis affirms that Australia’s diversity depends on shared respect.

All residents are expected to demonstrate:

• Respect for differing beliefs and non-belief

• Acceptance of secular law over religious authority in public matters

• Understanding of consent and personal boundaries

• Commitment to peaceful coexistence

• Support for social harmony and civic unity

Religious freedom is protected, but it does not override the rights of others to live without pressure or intimidation.

Failure to comply with religious harassment standards may result in graduated enforcement actions, including:

• Formal warnings

• Mandatory education or behavioral programs

• Workplace disciplinary measures

• Civil penalties or fines

• Restriction from certain public or institutional roles

• Criminal prosecution in severe or repeated cases

Severity will be proportional to the harm caused, with priority given to victim protection and community safety.

All cases shall be subject to:

• Periodic compliance reviews

• Independent complaint investigation

• Clear evidentiary standards

• Transparent procedures

• Rights of appeal

This ensures fairness, consistency, and accountability in enforcement.