Australian PM Under Fire for Delaying LGBTQ+ Anti-Discrimination Laws –
Controversy Surrounding Albanese’s Decision
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces backlash for his stance on updating anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ students and teachers in religious schools. Advocacy groups accuse him of “failing” the community by conditioning reform on bipartisan support.
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Existing Laws Allow Discrimination
Currently, religious schools in Australia can legally expel students or fire teachers based on their LGBTQ+ identity. Advocacy groups have long criticized these exemptions as discriminatory and demanded their removal.
Albanese’s Conditions Draw Ire
On March 19, reports suggested Albanese would only proceed with legal changes if Opposition Leader Peter Dutton granted bipartisan support. This decision drew sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates.
“Albanese has broken Labor’s election commitment and sold out LGBTIQA+ students and staff,” said Rodney Croome, spokesperson for Just.Equal. “It’s deeply disappointing he has put prejudice ahead of equal human rights.”
Advocates Urge Community Action
Croome urged LGBTQ+ Australians and allies to write to the PM, pressing him to honor his vow to reform the “flawed law.” Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia, called Albanese’s stance a “crushing blow” to LGBTQ+ faculties and pupils.
“We urge the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and all parliamentarians to do the right thing and get these reforms through parliament,” Brown stated.
