The Labor Party has since committed to reforming laws which allow religious schools to discriminate against staff and students on the basis of their sexuality or gender identity.
“The idea that taxpayer funded religious schools should be able to expel a student who comes out is completely out of step with modern community expectations.”
“Religious communities obviously have moral codes. Some people get hung up on sex, but there are a whole lot of voluntary codes that are adhered to by these communities.”
“It is unfortunate that these schools leave behind the inclusive love of Jesus by viciously defending their right to expel on the grounds of sexuality.”
Shelton said it is “way too soon to be making such unequivocal statements” after the review found that marriage equality has not impacted religious freedoms.
The religious freedom review is reportedly still being debated by cabinet despite being handed to the government in May.
Kirby said private and religious schools that don’t discuss sexual and gender diversity with students are “letting them down in terms of their duty to look after all children in their care”.
“There’s nothing wrong with a bit of preventative regulation and legislation to ensure your religious freedom in this country. I mean, what’s more fundamental than that?”
“It’s a funny position for Amnesty to find itself in to be in furious agreement with conservative politicians.”
“Some workers will avoid taking carer’s leave to look after their sick partner or, even worse, taking bereavement leave to attend their partner’s funeral because they may face the sack.”
