Premium Content:

Advocates call for case studies of discrimination in private schools

Advocates for WA’s LGBTI community have called for more people to come forward and provide case studies of discrimination within private and religious schools.

- Advertisement -

Under Western Australian law, LGBTI teachers and staff can be sacked, students can be expelled and enrolments from same-sex families denied.

Recent high profile cases of discrimination include the removal of a seven year of girl from a church school because she has two gay dads, and the case of teacher Craig Campbell not being asked to return to teach at a Baptist college after he came out as gay.

Spokesperson for LGBTI Advocacy Group WA Brian Greig, said it was likely there were many more cases of discrimination not being reported or made public.

“We are determined to push the McGowan Government to abolish this discrimination, just as Tasmania did 20 years ago,” Greig said.

Greig said the more evidence that could be produced, the better – even through the law should stand condemned simply by ‘virtue of its repugnant nature’.

Greig and members of the community first raised this issue at the OUTinPerth public election forum this time last year, but after almost one year in office the government has shown no desire to enact reform.

“It was very disappointing to see that just five months after being elected, Labor party members and MPs did not even raise this issue in policy discussions at their 2017 State Conference.

“It’s clear that if our community wants to scrap this dreadful law, we have to put a human face to this discrimination, so we call on more people to please step forward.”

Greig is urging anyone who has experienced anti-LGBTI discrimination from a private or church school to contact the advocates with the information.

“Everyone will be treated in the strictest confidence,” he said.

Rainbow Rights WA have also expressed their concerns about the current laws, and are calling for an urgent review by the McGowan government.

If you are interested in sharing your experience, you can email LGBTI.advocates.WA@gmail.com


Support OUTinPerth

Thanks for reading OUTinPerth. We can only create LGBTIQA+ focused media with your help.

If you can help support our work, please consider assisting us through a one-off contribution to our GoFundMe campaign, or a regular contribution through our Patreon appeal.

Become a Supporter→     Make a contribution→ 

Latest

Former Liberal heavyweight Teena McQueen dies

Former Liberal Party vice president Teena McQueen has died after a short illness, prompting tributes and renewed attention to her public commentary.

‘Drag Race Down Under vs The World’ season one cast revealed

Almost a year following the season announcement, the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under vs The World are here!

Australia’s first study of bi+ people’s sexual health uncovers critical gaps

A national survey highlights disparities in sexual health, safety and healthcare access for bi+ Australians, calling for more inclusive services.

Music mogul Clive Davis dies aged 94 leaving behind a impressive legacy

Clive Davis, influential music executive who shaped major artists’ careers, dies aged 94, leaving a lasting legacy in global music history.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Former Liberal heavyweight Teena McQueen dies

Former Liberal Party vice president Teena McQueen has died after a short illness, prompting tributes and renewed attention to her public commentary.

‘Drag Race Down Under vs The World’ season one cast revealed

Almost a year following the season announcement, the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under vs The World are here!

Australia’s first study of bi+ people’s sexual health uncovers critical gaps

A national survey highlights disparities in sexual health, safety and healthcare access for bi+ Australians, calling for more inclusive services.

Music mogul Clive Davis dies aged 94 leaving behind a impressive legacy

Clive Davis, influential music executive who shaped major artists’ careers, dies aged 94, leaving a lasting legacy in global music history.

7 things we learned from Interview’s chat with Madonna

Madonna has discussed her new album, personal challenges, career reflections and future projects in a candid Interview magazine cover feature.

Former Liberal heavyweight Teena McQueen dies

Former Liberal Party vice president Teena McQueen has died after a short illness, prompting tributes and renewed attention to her public commentary.

‘Drag Race Down Under vs The World’ season one cast revealed

Almost a year following the season announcement, the queens of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under vs The World are here!

Australia’s first study of bi+ people’s sexual health uncovers critical gaps

A national survey highlights disparities in sexual health, safety and healthcare access for bi+ Australians, calling for more inclusive services.