The Australian Parliament stands on the threshold of history today as it considers the long overdue Religious Discrimination Bill and associated legislation.
As part of the political negotiations around the legislation the Government has also brought forward part of the work scheduled to be undertaken by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) in relation to exemptions in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984.
These amendments deal with the confected issue of the expulsion of students on the basis of sexual orientation while avoiding the unintended consequences of the 2018 proposals and Greens amendments. We support these targeted amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act and look forward to the ALRC reviewing the far more complicated issues around other protected attributes such as gender identity.
'As we have made very clear over many years, Christian schools have never expelled students simply on the basis of sexual orientation,' said Mark Spencer, Director of Public Policy for Christian Schools Australia.
'Nevertheless, we welcome these targeted amendments to address the fears created by activists and once and fall all settle that expulsion of students simply on the basis of their sexual orientation is not lawful.'
'We support the review by the ALRC of the far more complicated issues regarding other protected attributes, including gender identity', he said, 'the ALRC is the proper expert body to deal with the difficult legal issues involved.'
'Supporting gender questioning students is complex,' Mr Spencer said, 'and schools need to be able to deal with these issues on a case-by-case basis, balancing the needs of those students with other students, finding ways to support all families within the school community.'
'The increasing concerns around appropriate treatment regimes, how access to facilities can be managed, and what impacts arise in relation to sporting activities are just some of the practical issues that need consideration.'
'We need more than sweeping claims by high profile celebrities, we need practical and sustainable solutions to ensure that schools can continue to care and support in accordance with their faith and beliefs', he said.
'All Parliamentarians need to support this vital legislation now and stand on the right side of history.'
