PM faces call to beef up faith discrimination penalties

A SENATOR has called for schools that discriminate against students and teachers because of their sexuality to be stripped of funding.

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison is being urged to amend the Racial Discrimination Act or create a new Religious Discrimination Act after a report to Government recommended laws banning discrimination against people of faith.

The proposal, contained in a review into religious freedoms handed to the Coalition in May, would give people of faith the same rights as others protected by anti-discrimination laws, Fairfax reported on Thursday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is being urged to beef up religion laws. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The review led by former federal Liberal MP Philip Ruddock has not yet been publicly released and the Government has yet to formally respond to its findings.

But, according to Fairfax, it says people of faith are entitled to “equal and effective protection” alongside sanctions against discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin.

Protection of religious belief already exists in almost every jurisdiction, except NSW and South Australia.

The review calls for laws to be amended in those two states. But it has rejected calls for a Religious Freedom Act giving greater rights to people to express their religious beliefs.

Mr Morrison said the Government is still considering its recommendations.

“We are going through that process … that hasn’t come fully through Cabinet yet. We will consider those things carefully and respectfully,” he told Nine Network on Thursday.

It’s believed the review has also recommended the right of schools to turn away gay staff and students be strengthened.”

Senator Derryn Hinch says schools that throw out gay teens or teachers should be stripped of government funding. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

But Victorian independent Senator Derryn Hinch thinks schools found doing that should be stripped of taxpayer funding.

“I will move a notice of motion in the Senate, Monday, calling for any private school that discriminates against a teacher or student on sexuality grounds be stripped of all government funds and charity status,” Mr Hinch tweeted.

President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Catholic schools welcomed staff and students from all backgrounds.

“We think all people should be considered equally for employment or enrolment,” he said.

“We have not sought concessions to discriminate against students or teachers based on their sexuality, gender identity or relationship status.”