Citipointe Christian College head stands down over ‘sinful’ students remarks

Principal of private school that branded LGBTI+ students ‘sinful’ stands aside following backlash over enrolment contracts.

Citipointe Christian College Principal Brian Mulheran has stood down.

The principal of a private school that branded LGBTI+ students “sinful’’ has stood down following a backlash over an enrolment contract requiring children to identify as their “birth gender”.

Pastor Brian Mulheran, the head of Citipointe Christian College in Brisbane, is taking extended leave to give the school “time to heal” as reports emerged that teachers had been told to pray for the success of the Morrison Government’s draft Religious Discrimination Bill.

He told parents that he was “heartbroken and devastated” by the public furore over the enrolment contract, which was withdrawn this week.

Pastor Mulheran said that a “great deal of hurt and distress’’ had been caused since the contract – which likened homosexuality to paedophilia, incest or bestiality as sinful - was sent to parents to sign a week ago.

“Our intention was only to offer families a choice about how their children were educated, and to be open and transparent about our religious ethos that guides the way we teach and care for students,’’ he stated in a letter sent to parents on Friday.

A sign showing Brian Mulheran, principle of Citipointe Christian College is held at a rally against the Religious Discrimination Bill on February 4. Picture: Getty

“I have been devastated talking to our students who have suffered hurtful and hate-filled verbal assaults simply because of their beliefs or for attending the college.

“... I am sorry that some students felt that they may be discriminated against at Citipointe.’’

Pastor Mulheran said that a Christian education according to the beliefs of the Church was a “legitimate choice’’ for parents and students.

However, he said he felt it was “right for me to stand aside and take extended leave in order to reflect on what has transpired and provide the college community time to heal’’.

The school’s contract prompted Prime Minister Scott Morrison to pledge to fast-track the abolition of Sex Discrimination Act exemptions which let a Christian school expel gay or transgender students.

He said he did not support the school’s enrolment contract.

“My kids go to a Christian school here in Sydney, and I wouldn’t want my school doing that either,’’ he said.