Media Release
Saturday November 3rd 2018
 
ADVOCATES WELCOME A.C.T. GOV'T BILL PROTECT LGBTI STUDENTS AND STAFF IN FAITH SCHOOLS
CALL TO EXTEND PROTECTIONS TO OTHER FAITH-BASED AGENCIES INCLUDING HOSPITALS
 
Equality advocates have praised the Labor/Green ACT Territory Government for tabling a bill that protects LGBTIQ+ students and staff from discrimination in Territory faith-based schools.

The move was a result of the leaked Ruddock Report, which aimed to reaffirm existing loopholes in Territory law.
 
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."
For more information contact Ivan Hinton-Teoh on 0419 124 826