Labor’s Deputy Leader Tanya Plibersek said that there is no reason schools couldn’t hire staff who “faithfully represent their values” while also protecting staff and students from discrimination.
The government indicated last year that it would order the review after Prime Minister Scott Morrison failed to meet his own deadline for removing the exemptions by the end of 2018.
“It is now up to Mr Hastie to explain to his community the value of oppressing kids and teachers for nothing more than their sexuality or gender identity.”
“Religious freedom is a vital aspect of Australian society and religious communities should feel respected and protected,” the committee’s report states, recommending legislation to remove discrimination exemptions not be passed and for the issue to undergo another inquiry.
“Nobody should have to hide themselves to survive.”
“This is not some epidemic of gays being expelled. Rather than responding to a pressing social need, this bill, we view, has been proposed in support of a long-term political strategy advanced by a vocal minority.”
Macdonald is the chair of the Senate committee due to report next week on an inquiry into the bill which would introduce protections for LGBTI students at faith-based and independent schools.
Advocates say that Scott Morrison’s school funding package, which will see Catholic schools receive $4.1 billion public money over the next decade, should be linked to the removal of discrimination exemptions.
“Nearly seventy percent of Liberal voters agree that LGBTQ students and teachers need to be protected. It’s time for Prime Minister Morrison to listen to his constituents about the need for change.”
“We didn’t find a lot of evidence of actual material discrimination that would be of concern”
