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Church could win exemption from anti-bias law |
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Tuesday, 29 April 2008 |
Tasmanian gay activists have called on the state government to rule out any new exemptions for religious organisations in the state’s Anti-Discrimination Act.
The call has been prompted by fears the government is set to release a report recommending the Act be watered down to allow religious schools to discriminate against students who are from a different religious background.
Tasmanian law lists 19 attributes that must not be discriminated against, including race, sexual orientation and religious belief or affiliation. The Anti-Discrimination Commissioner has the authority to grant organisations exemptions from the Act.
Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesperson Rodney Croome said unnamed sources within the government claim a review of the Anti-Discrimination Act, to be released as early as next week, will recommend an exemption on religious grounds, despite an assurance given last year by former Attorney-General Steve Kons that no such exemption would be granted.
"Our concern is that an exemption will be abused by schools to turn away students for any number of reasons including because their parents are unmarried or not regular church-goers, or because the students themselves are gay, in a sexual relationship, or simply question church doctrine,” Croome said.
"If the government is genuine about fostering an inclusive 'New Tasmania', it must rule out an exemption that will give prejudice a green light.”
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