Many don’t know that discrimination on the grounds of sexuality by religious schools is allowed in most states, including NSW. Next week, in a move unprecedented in the Western democratic world, the LNP wants to make it even easier for religious organisations to discriminate — and not just on the basis of sexuality. This could even extend to other issues such as abortion.
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Only in response to public outrage when the LNP’s plan to allow religious schools to expel LGBTQI children was leaked to the press, did PM Morrison respond. While his amended bill might remove direct discrimination, it will still likely allow indirect discrimination. This means children and teachers at religious schools need to hide who they are. LGBTQI children and teachers at some religious schools are already in fear. This bill would exacerbate the pain and psychological problems that come with hidden discrimination.
Last week, Labor established a Parliamentary Committee Inquiry into discrimination by faith-based educational institutions. However, Labor has not stood up for LBGTQI communities against indirect discrimination and like the LNP, is treating them as a sacrificial pawn to pacify the conservative right.
The Greens are the only party to utterly reject exemptions that allow discrimination and have been working for years to stop discrimination in school on the basis of sexuality. As Greens Leader Richard Di Natale said, “If you want the privilege of educating the next generation of young Australians, you don’t have the right to discriminate”.