ALP backtracks on faith school protections

Less than a week out from the federal election, it is being reported that the Albanese Labor government has “dumped” planned reforms aimed at ending discrimination under Commonwealth law.

Without these protections, LGBTQIA+ teachers and students in religious schools remain vulnerable to discrimination based on their sexuality or gender identity, leaving them exposed to unfair treatment and potential dismissal.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has already indicated his support for faith schools retaining special exemptions, while Shadow Attorney-General Michaela Cash has even backed the “positive right” for religious schools to discriminate, overriding existing state and territory laws.

Without national leadership, LGBTQIA+ teachers and students in three states remain vulnerable. Currently, discrimination is banned in Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and the Northern Territory. It remains legal in NSW, South Australia and WA.

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