Discrimination in schools could be illegal in months

[Cate Faehrmann]

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MEDIA RELEASE
18 May 2004



Discrimination in schools could be illegal in months 


Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on the State Government to support her Private Members Bill aimed at removing loopholes in the Anti-Discrimination Act.  Her call has come after polling has revealed around 90% of people surveyed did not think that private schools should be able to expel students because they are gay.

"Polling that was announced today by The Australia Institute showing 90% of people surveyed believe private schools shouldn't be allowed to expel a student if they're gay is great news," said Ms Rhiannon.

"Earlier this year, the Greens gave notice that we will introduce a Private Member's Bill to remove loopholes that exist in the Anti-Discrimination Bill.  

"Removing the exemptions in the Act has also been recommended by the NSW Law Reform Commission, but the State Government has backed down from supporting it.

"Mr Debus has stated in a letter to the Christian Democrats that the Government won't be supporting any changes to legislation because of what he said was 'widespread community concern that the Commission's proposals would unduly interfere with fundamental religious freedoms'.

"Thanks to The Australia Institute's survey, we now know that in fact around 90% of people support this change.  The Greens call on the Government to stop playing politics and support this legislation when it comes up for debate in the second half of this year.
 
"I'm meeting with the Attorney General Bob Debus in early June to ask him to get the Government to support the Greens' Bill," said Ms Rhiannon.


More information :  Cate Faehrmann	9230 3551	0412 207 043





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