LGBTQ+ and Faith Groups Frustrated by Halted Religious Discrimination Reform

LGBTQ+ and Faith Groups Frustrated by Halted Religious Discrimination Reform

Equality Advocates Criticize Albanese for Abandoning Reform

Equality campaigners have expressed disappointment in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese after his government abandoned plans to repeal the exemption that permits faith-based schools to discriminate against staff and students based on gender or sexuality. Activist James Elliot-Watson, who previously faced discrimination at his Christian school for being gay, condemned the decision, labeling it “gutless.” He fears the move will perpetuate harm against LGBTQ+ youth.

Elliot-Watson, now 29, recounted how his school barred him from a leadership position after he confided in a teacher about his struggles with his sexuality. After coming out in class, he was suspended. These experiences, he says, have led him to spend substantial time and money on therapy. Elliot-Watson, who advocates for reform alongside Equality Australia, remarked, “It’s clear-cut—you either take action or you don’t.”

Scrapped Religious Discrimination Legislation

The debate over religious discrimination legislation has been contentious since its proposal following the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite. Prime Minister Albanese recently confirmed that plans to introduce the legislation have been shelved, citing the lack of bipartisan support and the potential for divisive debate ahead of the next election. He emphasized his intention to avoid engaging in a polarizing discussion on religious discrimination.

Albanese criticized the Coalition for not offering amendments to the draft legislation, which has remained unpublished. LGBTQ+ advocates, such as Equality Australia, have accused the government of breaking an election promise, warning that inaction will continue to harm LGBTQ+ students and teachers in faith-based schools.

Faith Groups Express Disappointment

Religious leaders also expressed regret over the decision to halt the proposed protections. Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli urged the prime minister to ensure that current protections for people of faith are preserved, while Christian Schools Australia emphasized that the opportunity for long-overdue legal protections should not be abandoned.

Public policy director Mark Spencer called for leadership from Albanese, advocating for the adoption of faith leaders’ proposed amendments, which he believes could unite religious communities. Some Jewish leaders, like Peter Wertheim of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, suggested deferring the reform if consensus is unreachable to prevent widespread opposition.

Ongoing Debate Since 2017

The debate over religious discrimination protections has been ongoing since the Turnbull government first considered it in 2017. Concerns were raised that strengthening religious protections without addressing exemptions in the Sex Discrimination Act could exacerbate discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The Albanese government aimed to balance protections for religious freedoms with safeguards against discrimination in faith-based schools, similar to the goals of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The Australian Law Reform Commission recently recommended repealing exemptions that allow religious schools to discriminate against LGBTQ+ staff and students. Elliot-Watson and other advocates are pushing for urgent action, warning that further delays could lead to continued emotional harm for vulnerable individuals.