Local advocate and just.equal spokesperson, Ivan Hinton-Teoh, said,
"I warmly welcome the ACT Government's work in removing unjust discrimination. It is an excellent step towards truly becoming the nation's Rainbow Territory."
While the Ruddock Report aimed to reaffirm historic prejudice it inadvertently highlighted exiting loopholes that no longer meet Canberra community expectations.
Hinton-Teoh said,
"The Labor/Green Government has shown leadership on this issue and provides direction for other jurisdictions that wish to improve the lives of their LGBTIQ+ citizens."
The Territory bill aims to reflect the standard set in Tasmania's anti-discrimination laws. The Tasmanian laws have been in place for 20 years and has not impeded the ability of faith schools to operate consistently with their ethos.
Hinton-Teoh said,
"While the ACT reform is very welcome it only prohibits discrimination in schools. We encourage the Labor/Green Government to continue look at removing the same exemptions as they continue to apply to other faith-based services including hospitals and charities. All staff and clients of faith-based services, including nurses, carers and welfare recipients, deserve equal protection and respect."
