Faith leaders attack Vic government bill on religious school hiring policy

Nineteen Australian leaders condemn the bill, which would prohibit faith-based schools from sacking or refusing to hire teachers or enrol students based on gender or sexuality

Faith leaders hit out at Andrews government bill on religious schools (The Age)

Victoria’s religious leaders have condemned moves by the Andrews government to prohibit faith-based schools from sacking or refusing to hire teachers or enrol students based on their gender identity or sexuality.

Nineteen leaders from religious communities including the Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Sikh faiths say they have “grave concerns” about the government’s proposed legislation, which would narrow exceptions to equal opportunity laws that allow religious bodies and schools to discriminate against a person because of personal characteristics.

“The bill unfairly targets religious bodies and educational institutes,” the faith leaders said in an open letter to Victoria’s Attorney-General, Jaclyn Symes, which was published on Tuesday.

Schools can hire teachers on basis of faith under religious discrimination bill, Alan Tudge says (Guardian)

Education minister says revised bill protects ‘critical right’ of schools to employ people of same religion but won’t allow discrimination on other traits

Photo: Victorian Attorney General Jaclyn Symes (Eddie Jim)