Premium Content:

Tasmanian 'Religious Freedom' Legislation May Affect LGBT Students

Court Gavel Law

Last week Tasmania passed new legislation that some are concerned will allow schools to discriminate against LGBT students and families.

- Advertisement -

The lower house on Thursday passed an amendment to the Anti-Discrimination Act which would allow religious schools to consider faith when making enrollment decisions.

Shortly after the legislation passed, the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group issued a statement expressing concern that the law would allow schools to discriminate against LGBT students and the children of same sex parents.

“It will allow prejudiced school authorities to turn away students for any number of tawdry reasons dressed up as ‘religious belief’,” the statement said in part.

“Life is already hard enough for young gay people and the children of same-sex couples in religious schools without this kind of ideological move fostering prejudice and discrimination against them.”
The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group stated that it would work with other community groups to make sure their concerns are heard when the legislation is debated in the Lesgialative COuncil, which could happen as early as this month.

Latest

On This Gay Day | Liberace died in 1987 of an AIDS related illness

So many things happened on this day in history.

Introducing Sam Ashby, he used to be Smashby

Last year the artist known as Smashby headed into...

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras cancel the party

The annual Mardi Gras Party has been cancelled for 2026.

PHOTOS | More fabulous snaps from Pride Parade 2025

Pride WA’s Pride Parade took to the streets of Northbridge on Saturday, 29 November.

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Liberace died in 1987 of an AIDS related illness

So many things happened on this day in history.

Introducing Sam Ashby, he used to be Smashby

Last year the artist known as Smashby headed into...

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras cancel the party

The annual Mardi Gras Party has been cancelled for 2026.

PHOTOS | More fabulous snaps from Pride Parade 2025

Pride WA’s Pride Parade took to the streets of Northbridge on Saturday, 29 November.

Cory Bernardi to join One Nation and run for South Australian parliament

The former senator was previously a member of the Liberal party before forming his own Australian Conservatives brand.

On This Gay Day | Liberace died in 1987 of an AIDS related illness

So many things happened on this day in history.

Introducing Sam Ashby, he used to be Smashby

Last year the artist known as Smashby headed into the Big Brother UK house, and people got to know Sam Ashby the young man...

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras cancel the party

The annual Mardi Gras Party has been cancelled for 2026.