The deputy prime minister has stated that Australian religious schools should not have the right to discriminate against teachers and staff based on their sexuality.
Richard Marles, under pressure to address the issue of whether religious schools should be able to hire or fire a teacher based on their sexual orientation, called the issue “sensitive” and mentioned that the government is considering outlawing discrimination based on faith.
These comments follow federal Labor’s threat to halt the repeal of laws allowing LGBTI+ students and staff to be expelled or fired due to their sexual orientation or gender identity unless there is bipartisan support.
When pressed by ABC presenter David Speers, the defence minister admitted that there should not be discrimination against employees based on their sexual identity.
Mr. Marles emphasized the need for amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act to prevent discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or identity.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that he would not proceed with anti-discrimination law reforms unless the Coalition guaranteed its support.
Currently, religious educational institutions have wide exemptions allowing them to expel gay and transgender students or dismiss teachers based on their sexuality and gender.
A report from the Australian Law Reform Commission called for the removal of these exemptions, prompting pressure from minor parties and LGBTI+ advocates for legislative changes.
On the other hand, religious groups and leaders have written to the Prime Minister urging him to reject the proposed reforms, citing concerns about their right to practice their faith.
Opposition housing spokesman Michael Sukkar expressed doubts about Labor achieving bipartisan support, claiming that the reforms have been kept secret.
Mr. Marles refuted claims of government secrecy and urged the Coalition to make a decision after some ministers received copies of the legislation.
He stressed the importance of seeking consensus in negotiating these changes to avoid division in the country.
