Expert criticises report on proposed changes to anti-discrimination laws

Expert criticises report on proposed changes to anti-discrimination laws

The Federal Government is negotiating how to implement the changes recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) report on anti-discrimination law reform, with a bill tabled in parliament late last week.

Topics: anti-discrimination legislation, law reform, marginalisation, religion, sexuality, youth

Professor Anna Hickey-Moody, expert in youth studies

"A year later than anticipated, this report recommends Australia should ‘narrow the circumstances’ in which religious discrimination occurs, not outlaw discrimination.

"The proposed changes offer very little protection for same sex attracted youth in religious schools.

“Despite the fact that the ALRC state 'students are at the centre of this inquiry', the methods they have employed unfairly marginalise youth experiences.

"Over 40% of Australian secondary students attend religious schools.

“However, in assessing the impact of the current religious discrimination legislation, the ALRC spoke mainly to adults.

“They assessed 428 written submissions, only one of which was from a minor.

“The ALRC also undertook 131 interviews with consultees, all of whom were over 18.

“They included students in their survey – but they had over 2,5000 responses from adults in the sector and under 1,5000 responses from young people.

“How can this be seen as placing students 'at the centre'?

"The voices and experiences of queer religious young people have been largely excluded from this process and this is a significant flaw in the process."

Professor Anna Hickey-Moody is known for her work with socially marginalised people. She is currently undertaking an Australian Research Council Discovery Grant-funded project on the sexuality and religion of young people. 

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, +61 439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

25 March 2024

Share

25 March 2024

Share

Engage

Related News

g-flip-graduation-1220x732.jpg

G Flip leads the celebrations as RMIT congratulates class of 2024

An electric performance by singer-songwriter G Flip and an honorary degree awarded to the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC were just two highlights from RMIT’s graduation ceremony at Marvel Stadium.

Panel members at table, with one member holding up report

Voices of Aboriginal victims of crime inform calls for improved support

A report has found that widespread structural change to service systems and legal processes is urgently required to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who experience crime are receiving appropriate and effective support.

melbourne-central-furniture-1220x732.png

Student’s furniture design provides ‘pocket of peace’ at Melbourne Central Shopping Centre

Lucinda Johnson-Cornes’ art practice imbues quietness and provides perspective amid a busy world.

Close up of RMIT building

RMIT launches new tertiary education model to tackle Australia’s skills shortages

Australia will need hundreds of thousands of skilled, knowledgeable workers in the next two decades to support Australia’s economy and our community.

Show more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information