Queensland push to protect schools from discrimination

The Queensland Human Rights Commission has proposed an overhaul of the state’s outdated anti-discrimination laws to protect, in particular, LGBTIQ+ staff and students at religious schools.

The push comes after earlier this year Brisbane’s Citipointe Christian College faced backlash for issuing anti-queer student enrolment and employee contracts, which were later revoked. Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman proposed 122 recommendations made by QHRC to Parliament, focusing on a more proactive approach to preventing discrimination and sexual harassment. Fentiman stated,

“This report recommends reforms that will mean LGBTIQ+ students and staff feel safe in religious schools, while still protecting religious freedoms."

Queer advocacy groups have welcomed the report and called on the government to implement the changes. At present, Queensland teachers at some schools must hide their sexuality or gender identity in order to keep their jobs.