Premium Content:

Tasmanian 'Religious Freedom' Legislation May Affect LGBT Students

Court Gavel Law

Last week Tasmania passed new legislation that some are concerned will allow schools to discriminate against LGBT students and families.

- Advertisement -

The lower house on Thursday passed an amendment to the Anti-Discrimination Act which would allow religious schools to consider faith when making enrollment decisions.

Shortly after the legislation passed, the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group issued a statement expressing concern that the law would allow schools to discriminate against LGBT students and the children of same sex parents.

“It will allow prejudiced school authorities to turn away students for any number of tawdry reasons dressed up as ‘religious belief’,” the statement said in part.

“Life is already hard enough for young gay people and the children of same-sex couples in religious schools without this kind of ideological move fostering prejudice and discrimination against them.”
The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group stated that it would work with other community groups to make sure their concerns are heard when the legislation is debated in the Lesgialative COuncil, which could happen as early as this month.

Latest

FIFA World Cup Pride game between two nations who outlaw homosexuality

Egypt and Iran have drawn the Pride game in the competition.

‘Invisible Boys’ up for two AACTA Awards

A slew of Western Australian productions are among the nominees.

Its time for the return of Tiga

The electro artist will soon release 'Hotlife', his first album in over a decade.

On This Gay Day | Remembering Sarah Ponsonby, one of the Ladies of Llangollen

In the 1800s Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler ran away and lived together for the rest of their lives.

Newsletter

Don't miss

FIFA World Cup Pride game between two nations who outlaw homosexuality

Egypt and Iran have drawn the Pride game in the competition.

‘Invisible Boys’ up for two AACTA Awards

A slew of Western Australian productions are among the nominees.

Its time for the return of Tiga

The electro artist will soon release 'Hotlife', his first album in over a decade.

On This Gay Day | Remembering Sarah Ponsonby, one of the Ladies of Llangollen

In the 1800s Sarah Ponsonby and Eleanor Butler ran away and lived together for the rest of their lives.

Big Brother crowns 2025 winner with a nail-biting finale

On Monday night the five final housemates were one by one shown the door until the winner was crowned.

FIFA World Cup Pride game between two nations who outlaw homosexuality

Egypt and Iran have drawn the Pride game in the competition.

‘Invisible Boys’ up for two AACTA Awards

A slew of Western Australian productions are among the nominees.

Its time for the return of Tiga

The electro artist will soon release 'Hotlife', his first album in over a decade.