Media Release

ACL calls for Senate to save religious schools freedom

The Australian Christian Lobby today urges all Senators to vote in favour of the Government’s amendments to the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Removing Discrimination Against Students) Bill 2018.

The amendments are essential because the Bill in its current form goes further than necessary and has unintended consequences, threatening the ability of faith-based schools to teach their own values. 

“This would be a huge loss for faith-based schools and the thousands of parents who make sacrifices to give their children a religious education,” said Martyn Iles, managing director of the ACL. 

“Today ACL will be sending the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition an open letter that was signed by over 23,500 parents, grandparents and students of Christian schools who have voiced a resounding ‘no’ to cutting back on school freedoms.” 

“The Government’s amendments will provide all parties with a fair outcome. They ensure schools cannot expel students on account of their sexual orientation, but also preserve their ability to maintain a Christian ethos through staff selection and curriculum content.” 

The Australian Christian Lobby is urging all Senators to do the right thing and vote to amend the bill which only further removes democratic freedoms from hard working Australian parents and grandparents. 

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