Legislative Changes Raise Concerns for Christian Schools

In the early hours of 2 April 2025, the Victorian Parliament passed the Justice Legislation Amendment (Integrity, Defamation and Other Matters) Bill 2024, which included amendments introduced by the Greens. This 'Anti-Vilification' Bill includes changes that have raised concerns about the impact on freedom of religious expression in Christian schools. During debate on the Bill, in the Legislative Council, Nationals MP, Gaelle Broad raised a specific question regarding the practical impact of Section 102C of the bill, which deals with public conduct. "I just have a question to do with 102C, because there is an example there about: Conduct may be public conduct even if it occurs at a school or a workplace. I just want to clarify, for freedom of expression, for example, in Christian schools expressing Christian teaching, faith-based teaching intended for their community – within chapels, for example, or newsletters or emails sent out to parents – will religious institutions or schools for teaching be able to uphold and share their faith?"  Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes responded with a simple “Yes,” offering reassurance that religious institutions may continue to express their faith within their communities.

As this new legal landscape takes shape, AACS remains committed to advocating for the right of Christian schools to teach and live out their faith without compromise.