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

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New songs from Eyes of Bel, Meek, Slayyyter, ATEEZ, and Soft Cell.

The all new Australian ‘Traitors’ is here and we’re hooked

Gretel Killeen launches The Traitors Australia with celebrity contestants, surprise eliminations, strategic gameplay and dramatic traitor selections.

Bibliophile | Brotez Purnell is a juicy, fast and satisfying read

Brontez Purnell's fiction is sharp, messy and compelling explorations of queer love and identity.

‘Here the Whole Time’ comes to Netflix this month

Brazilian LGBTQ+ romance Quinze Dias, adapted from Vitor Martins' novel, arrives on Netflix worldwide on 19 August..

Newsletter

Don't miss

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New songs from Eyes of Bel, Meek, Slayyyter, ATEEZ, and Soft Cell.

The all new Australian ‘Traitors’ is here and we’re hooked

Gretel Killeen launches The Traitors Australia with celebrity contestants, surprise eliminations, strategic gameplay and dramatic traitor selections.

Bibliophile | Brotez Purnell is a juicy, fast and satisfying read

Brontez Purnell's fiction is sharp, messy and compelling explorations of queer love and identity.

‘Here the Whole Time’ comes to Netflix this month

Brazilian LGBTQ+ romance Quinze Dias, adapted from Vitor Martins' novel, arrives on Netflix worldwide on 19 August..

Zero Flags installation draws attention to LGBTIQA+ discrimination in the Commonwealth

A Glasgow Commonwealth Games protest draws attention to anti-LGBTQ+ laws, prompting support from activists and criticism from commentators.

Fresh Tracks | The latest tunes worth checking out

New songs from Eyes of Bel, Meek, Slayyyter, ATEEZ, and Soft Cell.

The all new Australian ‘Traitors’ is here and we’re hooked

Gretel Killeen launches The Traitors Australia with celebrity contestants, surprise eliminations, strategic gameplay and dramatic traitor selections.

Bibliophile | Brotez Purnell is a juicy, fast and satisfying read

Brontez Purnell's fiction is sharp, messy and compelling explorations of queer love and identity.