SW News:

Two Christian school associations have blasted the proposed controversial amendments to the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 of the Australian state of Queensland. The recommendations were made by the Human Rights Commission in 2022. If enacted, then the changes would prohibit Church-run schools from showing any sort of discrimination against teachers and staff based on sexuality, marital status and gender identity. 

Shannon Fentiman, the Queensland Attorney General said on Monday, April 3, that the state supported in-principle the 122 recommendations of the Queensland Human Right Commissioner’s review of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. As per the new amendments, schools will only be able to hire or fire teachers of religion based on their gender, marital status and sexual orientation. On the other hand, faith schools will not be in a position to terminate the contract of other teachers or staff. 

The proposed changes are “radical” warned two Christian school associations, adding that they would “strip Church-run schools of their rights.” According to Vanessa Cheng, the Australian Association of Christian Schools executive director, any curbs on the hiring of new employees were a matter of serious concern. 

Mark Spencer, the director of public policy of Christian Schools Australia, said the laws must be “aligned and compatible” throughout the nation so that school management could place its focus on providing education. 

As per the Australian Law Reform Commission, it is in consultation regarding federal anti-discrimination laws for religious schools and it is set to submit a report on April 21. The state is gunning to bring its laws in line with the federal amendments. 

As per the recommendations, Church-run schools will still be able to hire new staff and enroll new children based on criteria such as sexual orientation, gender affiliation and marital status. But it will not be in a position to fire or expel staff and students on the above-mentioned grounds. 
Reacting to the criticism of the two Christian outfits, the state of Queensland said it would hold more consultation before a bill is drafted to make sure that the new laws “strike the right balance” between individual rights and religious freedoms.