Christian school in Australia withdraws anti-gay contract following outrage
The Citipointe Christian College in Brisbane has now back tracked after 150,000 people signed a petition against the document.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Pexels
A Christian school in Australia that had introduced a contract for parents to sign that would effectively see gay or trans students being expelled over their sexual orientation or gender identity has now withdrawn the document.
Last Friday (28 January) the Citipointe Christian College in Brisbane amended the enrolling document so it referred to homosexuality as a sin and likened it to bestiality and paedophilia.
But the college’s principal said today (Thursday 3 February) it was withdrawing the document following the backlash it received meaning families no longer had to agree to it.
“The College does not and will not discriminate against any student because of their sexuality or gender identity”
In a statement, Pastor Brian Mulheran says, “We deeply regret that some students feel that they would be discriminated against because of their sexuality or gender identity, and I apologize to them and their families on behalf of the College,” as reported by CNN.
He continues, “As stated previously, the College does not and will not discriminate against any student because of their sexuality or gender identity. It is central to our faith that being gay or transgender in no way diminishes a person’s humanity or dignity in God’s eyes.”
According to CNN, the contract said it would enroll students “on the basis of the gender that corresponds to their biological sex.” Before scrapping the document, Mulheran defended the contract saying the school was “seeking to maintain our Christian ethos” and confusingly saying it wouldn’t discriminate on sexuality or gender identity.
A petition was set up following the contract being given to parents and attracted over 150,000 signatures. Posting an update following the withdrawal of the contract, Bethany Lau, who set up the petition celebrates the change but says, “Unfortunately the actions of Citipointe Christian College are indicative of a much broader issue.”
She goes on to say, “Many students across the nation will be scared to return to school on Monday. This contract has traumatised students, parents and the community, and we recognise that there is a lot of work to do in supporting these people.”
She also calls on people to support to ensure any proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation doesn’t become a reality.
The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has also told Brisbane’s B105 radio station, “I don’t support that. My kids go to a Christian school in Sydney and I wouldn’t want my school doing that either.”
He also says he will amend legislation to ensure people can’t be discriminated against in schools because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Religious Discrimination Bill currently making its way through Parliament is causing concern that it will allow religious groups to discriminate based on their beliefs.
The Attitude February issue is out now. Get your copy here.
