Libs, Family First turn back on gay teachers

08/04/09 11:00 am

Critical amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act that will allow religious schools to continue to discriminate against gay teachers have passed the SA Upper House with the support of Liberals, Family First and No Pokies.

“This is a disgrace. The Government’s Equal Opportunity Bill was already a massive compromise,” said Greens MLC Mark Parnell.

“This Bill will allow church schools to implement a policy of discrimination on the grounds of sexuality,” he said.

Debate on the Equal Opportunity Amendment Bill was completed in the Upper House today. A combination of Liberals, Family First and No Pokies MLCs voted to remove protections for GLBTI (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersexual) teachers.

“The Greens were extremely disappointed that Labor had previously backed down on removing discrimination against teachers on the basis of sexuality. Now, this already compromised Bill has been compromised again.

“An individual’s sexuality or chosen gender has absolutely no impact on their ability to teach well. So why will schools be able to discriminate on that basis?

“Freedom from discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexuality is a basic human right. Our state used to have an enviable reputation for progressive social policy. Not any more,” he said.

Equally of concern is an amendment that threw out the right of the Equal Opportunity Commissioner to investigate issues without the need for a citizen to lodge a complaint.

“Often people who are discriminated against are left powerless, and do not understand or are too scared to enforce their rights. In this case, the Commissioner should have the power to step in.

“The Greens strongly urge the Government to reject these amendments when the Bill is returned to the Lower House,” he said.

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