As you are no doubt aware, the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) has concluded its review of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld). The report now tabled in Parliament is a blatant attack on Christian schools. In particular, I am concerned about Recommendation 39 which will severely restrict the ability of Christian schools to employ only Christian staff across all roles. Recommendation 39 narrows the exception given to religious schools and limits the 'genuine occupational requirement' for faith to particular roles. Parents who choose to enrol their children in a Christian school expect that ALL staff within a Christian school share the beliefs of the school regardless of whether they are the science teacher or the music teacher. The Queensland Government should protect the fundamental human right of parents to ensure the religious and moral education of their children, consistent with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It is about protecting freedom of choice and diversity in education. I urge you to REJECT Recommendation 39 of the report and allow all religious schools in Queensland to continue employing staff who share the beliefs of the school.

I am writing in regard to the report released by the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) after its review of the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act (1991). In particular, Recommendation 39 of the report is deeply concerning. The QHRC is proposing to severely limit religious freedoms by preventing Christian schools from hiring teachers and other staff who share the same beliefs and values as the school. If this recommendation is implemented by the Government, religious schools may only be able to expect some employees, such as the Principal or Chaplain, to share the school's religious belief and the school could be sued for discrimination if they make a decision not to employ someone because they do not share the beliefs of the school. Parents who choose to enrol their children in a Christian school expect that ALL staff within the school share the beliefs of the school regardless of whether they are the science teacher, the music teacher or the principal. Please reject Recommendation 39 in full and ensure that Christian schools are able to continue providing high quality Christian education to Queensland families.

The Queensland Human Rights Commission’s recent report on the Anti-Discrimination Act is an attack on the rights of parents in Queensland to educate their children in a school that upholds Christian values and beliefs. Recommendation 39 of the report removes the ability of religious schools to exclusively hire staff who profess faith consistent with the school’s tenets, beliefs and values. Parents who choose to enrol their children in a Christian school expect ALL staff within a Christian school to share the beliefs of the school regardless of whether they are the science teacher, the music teacher, etc. I urge you to REJECT Recommendation 39 of the report and allow all religious schools in Queensland to continue employing staff who share the beliefs of the school.