WA bans religious schools from discriminating on sexuality and disability
Religious schools cannot fire teachers for sexuality or expel students for sexuality or disability, under new WA laws.
Western Australia's government has suggested major changes to its anti-discrimination laws. This is the biggest update in more than 40 years.
Religious schools can no longer fire staff or expel students based on sexuality. They also cannot reject students due to disability.
Religious institutions can still discriminate based on religion itself. Attorney General Tony Buti said the move targets discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.
The laws will also extend protections to people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, pregnancy, or union involvement. Felicity Creagh is a mother of two autistic children.
She said the changes meant families like hers had a better chance of being heard and supported. This matters when they ask for reasonable adjustments.
- Tony Buti
- Attorney General
- More than 40 years
- Years since last anti-discrimination
- Western Australia
- State
Why it mattersFamilies with LGBTQIA+ or disabled children now have better legal protection from discrimination at religious schools.
AustraliaDirectly affects students and staff in Western Australia; other states may consider similar reforms to their anti-discrimination laws.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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