The statement comes after parents at St Catherine’s Girls’ School in Sydney successfully pressured the Anglican diocese of Sydney to rule out the requirement that its new principal sign a statement of belief stating that the marriage is between a man and a woman.
Christian Community Ministries, which runs 12 schools in Queensland, NSW, South Australia and Western Australia, on Tuesday declined to comment on an ABC report that its enrollment form requires families to accept that “the best God wants for humanity is that we live our lives according to our biological sex ”and“ sexual behavior should be limited to monogamous married and heterosexual couples ”.
Victorian Attorney General, Jaclyn Symes, Credit: Penny Stephens
Under the Federal Sex Discrimination Act, religious schools may discriminate against students because of their sexual orientation and gender.
The Albanian government has pledged to rule out this right, as well as legislate to protect against discrimination based on religious beliefs.
Schools are exempt from discriminating against staff under the Victoria Equal Opportunity Act, but must demonstrate that the employee is unable to meet the requirements inherent in their position due to this religious belief and that discrimination against the staff member is reasonable and proportionate to the circumstances.
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St Andrews Christian College principal Catriona Wansbrough said the school was “committed to being transparent with current and future members of the school community about the university’s Christian education program and, like many schools based on faith, publish a statement of belief on your website “.
Wansbrough said Wantirna South School was inclusive and pledged to comply with equal opportunity legislation.
“However, as with any independent school, our staff is expected to support and maintain the Christian education program, ethos, and values of the university in the context of their respective functions,” he said. .
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The Independent Education Union said it would defend any “disadvantaged member in their occupation as a result of a refusal of principles to subscribe to outdated and downright irrelevant ideas about gender norms or any perceived lack of adaptation to them. “.
Emily Howie, general counsel for the Victoria Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission, urged any student, teacher or other employee of a religious school who has doubts about discrimination to contact the commission.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, call Kidshelpline at 1800 55 1800, Lifeline 131 114 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
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