Urge Queensland Government to Protect Christian Schools

The Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) has released its Report on its Review into the the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) making 122 recommendations, which the Government is now considering.

AACS is concerned that the QHRC recommends restricting the ability of Christian schools to employ Christian staff across all roles by narrowing the exception that allows Christian schools to preference Christians in employment. The QHRC further recommends redefining the 'genuine occupational requirements' for Christian belief in Christian schools so that it only applies to certain roles. The QHRC uses the example of a science teacher being a role where faith is not a genuine occupational requirement. This should come as a shock and disappointment to all science teachers in Christian schools!

If this recommendation is implemented by the Government, Christian schools would only be able to expect certain employees, such as the Principal or Chaplain, to be a Christian when applying for a job in a Christian school.

We need your help to let the Queensland Government know how Christian schools and their communities feel about the recommendations in the report.

Send a message to one of the ministers below - feel free to personalise the greeting or amend the suggested text.

NOTE: your name will be added automatically at the end so no need to add it yourself.

First Name * Last Name * Email * Street * Suburb * State * Postcode * Send this email to: * Message to send:

I am writing with concern about the Queensland Human Rights Commission's recommendations within their <a href="https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/final-report-review-of-the-equal-opportunity-act-1984">final report</a> on the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld).
In particular, I am concerned about Recommendation 39 which will severely restrict the ability of Christian schools to employ only Christian staff across all roles. Recommendation 39 narrows the exception given to religious schools and limits the 'genuine occupational requirement' for faith to particular roles, in line with similar extreme changes made to the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
If this recommendation is implemented by the Government, religious schools may only be able to expect some employees, such as the Principal or Chaplain, to share the school's religious belief and the school could be sued for discrimination if they make a decision not to employ someone because they do not share the beliefs of the school.
Parents who choose to enrol their children in a Christian school expect that ALL staff within a Christian school share the beliefs of the school regardless of whether they are the science teacher, the music teacher or the canteen manager.
The Queensland Government should protect the fundamental human right of parents to ensure the religious and moral education of their children, consistent with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
It is about protecting freedom of choice and diversity in education.
I urge you to REJECT Recommendation 39 of the report and allow all religious schools in Queensland to continue employing staff who share the beliefs of the school.

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Urge Queensland Government to Protect Christian Schools

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