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SA Greens MLC Robert Simms will introduce the laws to parliament in August. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette

SA parliament to consider overhauling religious discrimination laws

New laws set to be introduced to state parliament would ensure religious schools cannot knock back job applications from prospective teachers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Greens MLC Robert Simms will introduce the legislation in August, which would remove the current exemptions from anti-discrimination laws.

Under existing South Australian law, religious bodies can discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity when hiring teachers or workers at other religious-run services.

Before the 2022 federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised to overhaul religious protection laws at a federal level but that legislation has not been introduced.

Mr Simms said current state law was facilitating discrimination and must be changed.

“These exemptions allow discrimination by South Australian religious schools and organisations,” he said.

“It is outrageous that in 21st century South Australia, a gay teacher working in a religious school can be in fear of losing their job simply because of their sexuality or a gay teen could be turned away from a shelter run by a religious organisation. Surely all South Australians deserve equal protection before the law?

“It is very disappointing to see the federal government dragging their heels on this. Rather than waiting for the PM to finally show some backbone, the Malinauskas government should step up.”

Mr Simms said government and opposition MPs should be granted a conscience vote on the issue.

One Nation MP Sarah Game. Picture: NCA Newswire/Keryn Stevens

One Nation MLC Sarah Game said she would strongly oppose the legislation.

“If this bill becomes law, schools and religious organisations will no longer have the right to select or terminate staff members on the basis of shared moral and ethical standards and beliefs,” she said.

“So, for example, a Catholic school could effectively be forced to employ a teacher who espouses gender fluidity and other woke principles.”

A government spokesman said: “the government has not yet seen a copy of this bill, and will review it carefully when it is introduced before forming a position”.

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