Teacher claims school asked her to oppose same-sex marriage

A teacher is taking legal action against ­Ballarat Christian College for discrimination after she alleged she was forced to resign after refusing to accept a statement opposing same-sex marriage.

A “devastated” teacher is taking legal action against a private Christian school, claiming she was forced to quit after refusing to accept its policy of opposing same-sex marriage.

Rachel Colvin, a married mother of three, claims ­Ballarat Christian College discriminated against her due to her political and religious ­beliefs, which include support for same-sex marriage.

Mrs Colvin alleges she was counselled by the school then forced to resign when she ­refused to abide by an amended statement of faith which stated “a marriage can only be between a male and a female”.

“I am devastated by what happened. I loved my job. I am an extremely hard worker and loyal to a fault, and to have it end the way it did was, at first, professionally humiliating,” Mrs Colvin said.

Rachel Colvin.

“Now, I see it as a God-given opportunity to stand up for what is right, to represent what God is really about: loving others.”

Mrs Colvin, a committed Christian, refused to agree to the statement because she believes same-sex marriage has the same potential as heterosexual marriage to be a ­reflection of God’s love.

However, she said she had agreed to remain silent about her beliefs to the students.

“I am bringing the case to let my LGBTQI students know that they aren’t ­deformed or disordered.

“They were created as they are, in the image of God, and that they are fully loved by God and share equal dignity with all other humans. I am hoping to achieve policy change, so LGBTQI students and staff don’t worry about being expelled or fired.” Mrs Colvin had an ­unblemished teaching record since starting at the school in 2008, but from around ­August last year she alleges she was denied opportunities, forcing her to resign in February.

She is taking the school to VCAT for discriminating against her under the Equal Opportunity Act. Equality Australia is backing her case.

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Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia, said Australians “shouldn’t be hounded out of jobs simply because their religious beliefs support and affirm same-sex relationships, and respect the dignity of LGBTQI people”.

Mark Spencer, executive ­officer of policy for Christian Schools Australia, said ­Ballarat Christian College was “clearly and unashamedly a Christian school providing an education in accordance with its beliefs”.

“It is vital that all staff at the college can share, live out and express the beliefs of the college in their interactions with students, parents and the wider community ... unfortunately, Mrs Colvin has indicated that this would not be possible for her,” he said.

Mrs Colvin wants the school to declare it has discriminated against her, refrain from any further contravention of the act, damages, interest and costs.

Damages would be determined by the tribunal.

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