Greens outraged for gay teachers

The South Australian Greens have labelled a -œdisgrace the defeat of crucial amendments to the state’s Equal Opportunity Act that would stop religious schools discriminating against gay teachers.
Liberal and Family First MPs voted against an amendment in the South Australian Upper House that proposed schools outline their positions on GLBTI teachers on their websites. The decision removes protections for GLBTI teachers in religious schools from the state’s Equal Opportunity bill.
Greens MLC Mark Parnell said state MPs who voted in favour of the amendment were turning their back on the state’s GLBTI community.
-œThis bill will allow church schools to implement a policy of discrimination on the grounds of sexuality, he said.  -œThis is a disgrace … an individual’s sexuality or chosen gender has absolutely no impact on their ability to teach well -” so why will schools be able to discriminate on that basis?
Parnell called on the Rann Labor Government to reject the amendment when the bill returns to the Lower House.
-œFreedom from discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexuality is a basic human right. Our state used to have an enviable reputation for progressive social policy. Not any more, he said.
Victoria’s Equal Opportunity Act allows religious schools exemptions from anti-discrimination laws. The Act is under review by a committee.
The Victorian Human Rights and Responsibilities Charter was launched in 2006. Section 8 states, -œEvery person is equal before the law and is entitled to the equal protection of the law without discrimination and has the right to equal and effective protection against discrimination.  Despite this, religious could may be made.
The Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committe, which is due to release an interim report in May, will report to state Parliament on whether any amendments should be made to the Act’s current exceptions and exemptions.