Religious exemptions bill defeated in Vic

A bill to stop religious bodies or school's from discriminating against prospective employees based on their religion has been defeated in Victoria's upper house.

The Equal Opportunity Amendment (Religious Exemptions) Bill 2016 was introduced by the state government earlier this year.

Equality Minister Martin Foley said the changes would have ensured a fair and more contemporary balance between the right to religious freedom and the right to be free from discrimination.

Opposition spokesman John Pesutto said his party voted against the bill because it was "never necessary" and it sought to remove the right to religious freedom.