Why Did Citipointe Think It Could Get Away With Its Anti-LGBT Enrolment Contract?
When Citipointe Christian College in Queensland issued its parents with a contract (now withdrawn) that allowed it to expel a child who comes out as gay, would only acknowledge gender assignment given at birth and linked homosexual acts and bisexual acts with bestiality, incest, and paedophilia, it caused a community backlash and rightly so.
What happened to ‘All policies and rules in all Queensland schools must reflect the Queensland Anti-discrimination and Human Rights Acts’? Why did the school think it could get away with this?
Christian World View Questioned
Already signed the petition? Send a letter to your MP demanding that they oppose the Religious Discrimination Bill and introduce new laws to protect students and teachers in faith-based schools: https://t.co/rguvt5zzyj #ReligiousDiscriminationBill #auspol
— Equality Australia 🌈 (@EqualityAu) January 31, 2022
The school’s Strategic Plan talks about preparing ‘policies, statements and responses underpinned by a Christian worldview to address vexing social and moral issues facing our students and families.”
Clearly the backlash from other Christian groups question their presentation of a Christian worldview. “You say that you speak for the millions out there and deny that you’re lighting a dangerous fuse.” Judy Small songs still ring true.
And seriously? Vexing? Is this the way we describe the struggle young people go through as they explore LGBTQI issues while growing up among such Pentecostal beliefs? Classically one of the critical outcomes the school apparently will achieve is ‘fewer cases of mental health’.
Your Tax Dollars Are Good Enough, But You Aren’t!
Bear in mind too that independent schools are funded partly by grants from the state and federal government. That is public money that pays capital grants and recurring funding.
Citipointe school brochure boasts impressive facilities. A College Hall and College Oval, a 2500-seat auditorium, a 150-seat chapel and 50 seat Citi Youth facility, a rugby field and soccer field, a covered 25 metre, eight lane swimming pool, a covered basketball court, two outdoor tennis courts, two outdoor basketball courts, four outdoor volleyball courts and two outdoor cricket practice wickets. What did your school look like?
What Can We Do To Fight The Religious Discrimination Bill?
The Prime Minister must withdraw the Religious Discrimination Bill and do what he promised to do; deliver a simple reform that protects all of us, equally.
Read our full release here: https://t.co/7TDM6mBIoc #auspol #ReligiousDiscriminationBill— Equality Australia 🌈 (@EqualityAu) February 3, 2022
This is just the beginning. If the Religious Discrimination Bill gets through Parliament, it will open the door for religious groups to reveal ‘what they really think’ and act on it.
This bill will over-ride state Anti-Discrimination legislation. It will have far reaching impact, not only on our community but on people living with a disability, people in Aged Care, women and anyone who chooses a lifestyle other than that sanctioned by ‘whatever church’ is having its say, at the time.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Sign the petitions against the Religious Discrimination Bill.
- Get in touch with your MPs now. The Bill is being discussed again in February.
- Attend the protest against The Religious Discrimination Bill – 1pm Town Hall Sydney 12th February (appropriately spaced and wearing a mask ofcourse).
Send a clear message – ‘You Don’t Speak for Me.’
I’m convinced the Citipointe action was a “Dry Run” to see what the reaction would be. They say they will bring back a revised contract (after the legislation is passed).
In the meantime, I’m yet to hear anything from Labor guaranteeing to repeal the Religious Hatred Bill if its passed.
Not the first time Labor has abandoned LGBTQI community in favour of the church – we should have had Marriage Equality under Gillard but Labor was ‘owned’ by Joe de Bruyn and the Shop Assistants union – Right wing catholics…ffs