COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Prevention of Discrimination’ Bill Voted Down in Australian Senate

The bill aimed at preventing discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status was voted down in the Australian Senate. The Coalition, UAP Senator Ralph Babet, and One Nation supported the legislation put forward by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson, while The Greens, Labor, and Independent Senator Fatima Payman opposed it. The bill sought to stop discrimination by government entities and others based on vaccination status, covering areas such as goods, services, employment, education, accommodation, and sport. Despite the support for the bill, it was defeated after the second reading on Aug. 14. Senator Hanson emphasized the importance of upholding Australians’ rights and freedoms against government overreach. The government Whip in the Senate, Anne Urquhart, labeled the legislation as a “stunt” and emphasized the voluntary nature of COVID-19 vaccination in Australia. Liberal National Party Senator Gerard Rennick highlighted the need to investigate vaccine injuries and the overall response to the pandemic. Senator Babet praised former New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet for admitting mistakes regarding vaccine mandates and urged the Liberal Party to stick to its principles for electoral success. Please rewrite this sentence.

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