The IEU has renewed its call for the removal of exemptions that permit discrimination in non-government schools, following the release of the NSW Law Reform Commission’s second consultation paper as part of its review of the state’s Anti-Discrimination Act.
The review is examining whether the almost 50-year-old law reflects modern community standards and provides effective protection against discrimination.
For the IEU, this debate is about people, not religion.
No need to discriminate
Every day, thousands of teachers and support staff walk through the gates of faith-based schools committed to educating young people and contributing to their school communities.
Yet under current NSW law, some of these employees can be treated differently because of aspects of their private lives that have nothing to do with their professionalism or ability to do their job.
The exemptions extend to matters such as a person’s gender (whether they are male or female), disability, a person’s marital or relationship status, sexual orientation or gender identity.
These are deeply personal matters. They should not determine whether someone can teach, support students or continue in their chosen career.
As IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary Carol Matthews puts it, “Our members should not be at risk of losing their jobs because they divorce, remarry or use contraception or IVF services.”
The IEU recognises and respects the important role faith-based schools play in educating students and building communities centred on shared beliefs and values.
However, evidence from other states clearly shows that removing these exemptions does not prevent schools from teaching their faith or maintaining their religious identity.
“School employers in NSW have nothing to fear from modern community standards,” Matthews said. “They can still build communities of faith without any need to discriminate.”
IEU calls for equal protection
The consequences of discrimination are real. It can affect careers, financial security, family life and mental health.
It also sends a message to students about who belongs and who does not.
Schools are strongest when every member of the community knows they will be treated with dignity and judged on their contribution, not their private life.
The IEU’s submission to the Law Reform Commission supports reform. We advocate for laws that reflect contemporary community expectations and provide equal protections for everyone.
Teachers, support staff and students in faith-based schools deserve the same rights and protections as every other member of the NSW community.
Equal treatment under the law should not depend on where you work.