VCE English Issues: Religious freedom in schools

The report calls for the federal Sex Discrimination Act to be amended to allow religious schools to discriminate against students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status - something some but not all states already allow.

It might surprise many people, but Victorian religious schools can already lawfully discriminate against gay students, teachers and potentially parents.

From the ABC: A Perth teacher who lost his job after telling his school he was in a same-sex relationship has attacked a national push for uniform laws allowing religious schools to discriminate against students and teachers on the basis of sexuality, saying it risks further isolating some of the most vulnerable people in the community — gay school children.

It is imperative that discrimination is banned across entire school communities, not just against LGBTI students. This is not only a matter of justice and equity; it is also in the best interests of children. If students at faith-based schools are to receive the best possible education, their teachers must be employed on the basis of skill, not sexuality.

From The Conversation: There appears to be a lack of public support for any exemptions that allow schools to have policies that exclude students based on sexual and gender diversity. But this doesn’t mean discrimination will suddenly disappear.

A discussion about what religious freedom actually means in the context of this debate.