Independent schools will be prevented from expelling LGBTQI students under new laws by the Federal Government.
Last week, a leaked recommendation from the Ruddock review suggested that laws allowing religious schools to refuse gay students and teachers be made consistent across Australia.
The reports sparked national outrage and led one Senator to announce a motion that would strip funding from schools that discriminated against students based on their sexuality.
However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he would introduce legislation preventing independent schools from such action.
“Our Government does not support expulsion of students from religious non-state schools on the basis of their sexuality,” Morrison said.
“I also know that this view is widely shared by religious schools and communities across the country.”
Morrison said the Federal Government would also introduce amendments “as soon as possible” to make the legislation clear to independent schools.
Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) welcomed the PM’s announcement, with CEO, Dallas McInerney, saying “nothing in the Bible or in Catholic teaching can be used to justify prejudicial or discriminatory attitudes and behaviours”.
“All people should be considered equally for employment or enrolment,” McInerney said.
“We did not seek concessions to discriminate against students or teachers based on their sexuality, gender identity or relationship status.”