The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is heading an inquiry into Religious Exemptions in Anti-Discrimination Legislation. Existing anti-discrimination laws provide exemptions to religious educational institutions, such as schools.
Last week, the Presbyterian Church stated that it would be seeking to bar students from school leadership roles such as captaincy, on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or relationship status, or pregnancy.
Student Executive Advisory Committee member, Oak (he/they), spoke with The Age's Nicole Precel about the significant impact these acts of discrimination could cause students.
"Schools should be safe spaces for every child, regardless of sexual orientation, relationship status or gender identity," he said.
“Education should be considered a basic human right, so why should these factors be a barrier to access for students?”
You can read the full article over at The Age and learn more about the inquiry at the ALRC website.
If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact the below services:
Rainbow Door: http://www.rainbowdoor.org.au/
QLife: http://www.qlife.org.au/
Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/