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

Queer playwright Jeremy O Harris detained in Japan on drug charges

Jeremy O Harris has been behind bars since mid-November after authorities allegedly found drugs in his luggage.

Calls for federal government to allow doctors more funding to support those at risk of HIV

The RACGP says its time for rethink about how doctors and health services support those who are most at risk of contracting the virus.

On This Gay Day | Marriage equality Bill passes through Parliament

Australia's long fight for marriage equality ended on this day in 2017.

Former Eurovision representative Montaigne calls for boycott

Montaigne says Australia should join Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands and Slovenia, and get out of Eurovision 2026.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Queer playwright Jeremy O Harris detained in Japan on drug charges

Jeremy O Harris has been behind bars since mid-November after authorities allegedly found drugs in his luggage.

Calls for federal government to allow doctors more funding to support those at risk of HIV

The RACGP says its time for rethink about how doctors and health services support those who are most at risk of contracting the virus.

On This Gay Day | Marriage equality Bill passes through Parliament

Australia's long fight for marriage equality ended on this day in 2017.

Former Eurovision representative Montaigne calls for boycott

Montaigne says Australia should join Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands and Slovenia, and get out of Eurovision 2026.

With its latest episode ‘Heated Rivalry’ takes an unexpected turn

The latest episode takes a detour into the romance of Scott and Kip.

Queer playwright Jeremy O Harris detained in Japan on drug charges

Jeremy O Harris has been behind bars since mid-November after authorities allegedly found drugs in his luggage.

Calls for federal government to allow doctors more funding to support those at risk of HIV

The RACGP says its time for rethink about how doctors and health services support those who are most at risk of contracting the virus.

On This Gay Day | Marriage equality Bill passes through Parliament

Australia's long fight for marriage equality ended on this day in 2017.