LATEST MEDIA RELEASE 📰👇
LIBERAL MPs ADVOCATE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE SEX DISCRIMINATION ACT
Liberal Members of Parliament Angie Bell, Katie Allen, Fiona Martin and Dave Sharma have welcomed proposed amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 that will remove the right of religious schools to discriminate against students on the basis of sexual orientation or gender
identity.
These amendments were negotiated as part of discussions related to the Religious Discrimination Bill, currently before the Parliament. Federal Member for Moncrieff, Angie Bell, said “The Religious Discrimination Bill is a reasonable and necessary piece of legislation to be put before the House. The Prime Minister made a promise to the Australian People to put forward this bill at the last election and I support him in keeping his word. “I raised the concerns my colleagues and I had, noting we continued to discuss the Bill in more detail with the Attorney-General.
“Over the last few days, I proposed an alternative solution to my government colleagues which has been accepted. Under my proposal, the Sex Discrimination Act will be amended to remove the clause exempting religious schools from making discriminatory decisions based on a child’s sexual
orientation.”
Federal Member for Wentworth, Dave Sharma, said “I retain concerns about elements of the Religious Discrimination Bill, particularly those relating to the statement of belief clauses, and I look forward to the joint parliamentary committee examining this and related issues and reporting back.”
“Preventing the ability of religious schools to discriminate against students and teachers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity remains of fundamental importance to me. This amendment goes some way to addressing this concern, but further measures are needed and I will continue to
push for these.”
Federal Member for Higgins, Dr Katie Allen MP, said “I have consulted widely across my electorate of Higgins including with the LGBTIQA+ community and faith leaders. I am pleased that the Attorney-General has listened to my concerns and worked to ensure we strike the right balance has been found. I’m particularly pleased my advocacy to remove the provisions allowing medical practitioners to conscientiously object to procedures was successful. The newly agreed amendments to the sex discrimination act to protect LGBTIQA+ children in schools is welcomed. This is a significant win for the safety of children in schools.”
Federal Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin said the unintended consequences of passing this Bill without making amendments to the religious exemption clauses in the Sex Discrimination Act (SDA) must be mitigated.
“Representing an electorate with a range of religious and culturally and linguistically diverse communities, I am supportive of the purpose and need for this Bill. However, most Australians would agree that religious exemptions that allow LGBTIQ+ children to be expelled is unacceptable and runs counter to our nation’s value of a ‘fair go’. Therefore, I welcome the decision of the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General and offer my support for the passing of the Religious
Discrimination Bill.”
Ms Bell, also said, “As the amendments have been made to protect children from sexual discrimination, I support the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General with passage of the Religious Discrimination Bill and will vote in its favour.”
“There is still work to be done to ensure greater equality for all Australians. This is a step in the right direction. I am confident the Morrison Government will continue to deliver on its commitments to the Australian people as we work to create a more harmonious nation where every individual feels they belong.”
-END-
