Presbyterian Church of Australia questions ability of gay and sexually active students to hold leadership positions

A church that runs a few of Australia’s most prestigious faculties has known as for the suitable to cease college students in same-sex relationships, or those that have intercourse earlier than marriage, from taking on management positions.

Proposed modifications wouldn’t have college students refused enrolment on the premise of ”sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or relationships status, or pregnancy”, however those that establish as LGBTQ+ or are sexually lively wouldn’t be seen as match leaders.

“The example given in the Review of an LGBTQ+ student being elected as school captain is a case in point,” the submission mentioned.

“If this student were in an active same-sex relationship, they would not be able to give appropriate Christian leadership in a Christian school which requires modelling Christian living.

“This would even be the case for a scholar in a sexually lively single heterosexual relationship.

“In both cases, the proposal removes from schools the ability to determine an ethos by selecting appropriate leaders.”

Religious faculties are given exceptions beneath the authorities’s Religious Educations Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws.

“These exceptions mean that discrimination on certain grounds by religious schools is not unlawful under Federal law where it is ‘in good faith’ and ‘in order to avoid injury to the religious susceptibilities of adherents of that religion or creed’,” in keeping with the Australian Law Reform Commission.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles mentioned he was involved the proposed modifications would quantity to the discrimination of youngsters.

“We’ve been very clear as we have walked this road over a number of years now that as we do that, we can’t see a situation where we’re inadvertently discriminating against kids,” Marles advised Today.

“Leadership and the qualities of leadership are not a function of people’s sexual orientation and we need to make sure we have the widest pool of people for leadership positions across our society.”

Presbyterian Church chief John McClean mentioned the submission argued that faculties shouldn’t be constrained by anti-discrimination laws “when selecting such leaders who seek to live consistent Christian lives”.

“The point being made is that schools with open enrolment policies may wish to be selective about certain student leadership roles and that should not leave them exposed to complaints under AD legislation,” McClean mentioned.

“The submission is not a statement of the policy of schools that are related to the Presbyterian church.

“The Presbyterian Church of Australia operates no faculties straight… Schools decide their very own insurance policies and procedures.”