Gay students and teachers could be rejected by religious schools under changes to anti-discrimination laws being recommended by a federal review into religious freedom, according to a media report.this tweet:
The former attorney general Philip Ruddock, who chaired the review, said the right of schools to turn away gay students and teachers should be enshrined in the Sex Discrimination Act.
It would only apply to gay people who engage in sex. This would go against the principles of Christianity. As would fornication or adultery.
ReplyDeleteWe should also remember you do not have to study or teach in such a school and if you do not believe in their principles why go?
I tend to agree that teachers in gay relationships should respect the values of the school - but I am not entirely sure that there is a way of asking students if they are both gay and sexually active!
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking, I'm all for privacy in schooling matters: I don't think teachers should be talking to students about their sex life, gay or straight, and don't see why students should be talking about their own sex life either.
It does like this. You tell both Students, parents and teachers these are our values.
ReplyDeleteThey accept them when becoming part of the school.
If they publicly flout them as a teacher did in a baptist school in WA then you have no option but to sack them. If they stay silent you do the same thing as you do with heterosexuals. you assume they comply.
It puts Morrison in a difficult position because he may need to change the ADA to allow religious institutions refuse employing some individuals and schools refusing non-heterosexual students. That will create a wave of protest and he doesn't want that argument before the election. So we probably won't see that report.
ReplyDeleteI think religious institutions should be allowed that freedom but it the issue becomes prickly. What about a teacher in a de facto relationship having sex? The Bible doesn't condone extra marital sex. If religious institutions can ban people what about private individuals with religious beliefs who do not wish to employ certain people because of their lifestyle? Why should religionists have the privilege of rejecting certain people over lifestyle issues while secularists have to suck it up?
John, I wouldn't be surprised if the schools in question are indeed thinking of those examples of straight unmarried sexual relationships.
ReplyDeleteThe issue is being reported as one of the school's 'right to discriminate'; but I'd imagine in the majority of cases the schools are forming their principals around a fairly strict Biblical view - and while in the Bible/Christian religion gay relationships are restricted, it's unmarried straight relationships that cause by far the greatest concern.
The aim of the schools is surely chastity, not eliminating gayness specifically.
you have it right Tim,
ReplyDeletei would imagine that heterosexual students would be morel likely affected by Christian values than homosexual students.
And they would only be affected if they publicly showed off their sexual prowess.
What about an organisation refused to employ religionist on the grounds that they think religions are dangerous cults that promote discrimination against certain peoples? It seems to me religionists are granted rights over and above that granted to secularists.
ReplyDeletejohn,
ReplyDeleteno-one is forced to go to a 'religious' sc hool.
Their values are up front. If you do not like them then don't send your children to them.
easy peezy
Not Trampis
ReplyDeleteI've already stated I don't care about the schools issue. What I do care about is that religionists are treated as a special class. In my world religion is primitive nonsense that thankfully is very much dying out in advanced nations. I don't like it and I strongly resent Sunday School which I regard as just a form of brainwashing on young impressionable minds. If religionists are allowed to discriminate against certain people because of their behavior everyone should be allowed to discriminate against individuals whose behavior they find offensive.
As I said no-one is forced to go to a religious school. If you do not like them go to to a public school.
ReplyDeleteSpare me the straw man argument while you conveniently ignore the double standard that benefits religionists.
ReplyDeletestraw man?
ReplyDeleteWho forces parents to a private school.
Why would parents or people who wish to work go to such an organisation if they violently disagree with its values?
Can I just add there is no record of any student being expelled for being gay. most likely for reasons i have outlined.
It is a furphy