FAITH SCHOOLS COULD REJECT GAY STUDENTS IN AUSTRALIA

must read discriminate on the basis of gender identity and relationship status. “There is a wide variety of religious schools in Australia and ... to some school communities, cultivating an environment and ethos which conforms to their religious beliefs is of paramount importance,” Fairfax quoted the report as saying. Schools would have to make their policies on gay staff and students public, the proposals reportedly say. Mr Morrison said the proposals - which have not yet been debated by cabinet - would be considered “carefully and respectfully”. But Shadow Education Minister Tanya Plibersek told ABC it was a “disturbing proposition”. “What kind of adult wants to turn away a child, wants to reject a kid because they are gay?” she said. Canberra: Australia’s Prime Minister has defended leaked proposals to let religious schools discriminate against gay students. Scott Morrison said the proposals were already “existing law”. Schools in some states can already reject staff if they are gay. The new proposals would apply nationwide. They are contained in a report into religious freedom that was commissioned after same-sex marriage was made legal last year. Fairfax Media, which obtained a copy of the report, said it proposed that religious schools would be guaranteed the right to turn away gay students and teachers. Religious schools would also be allowed to