GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law)’s Post

Section 38 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) lets religious schools discriminate against employees and students on the ground of sex, marriage status or pregnancy to avoid 'injury' to the relevant religion. There is a separate exception in the SDA (s. 30) for discrimination due to a genuine occupational requirement (such as teaching religious studies), so the exception in s. 38 is really about policing personal choices and identities on the basis of gender. For me there's another level beyond the baseline awfulness of people trying to control other people's lives. It's that we're not even allowed to have the conversation about the human rights involved here. Where the right to religious freedom and the right to non-discrimination on the basis of gender or sexuality come into conflict, we should be able to have a sensible and empathic conversation about those rights. Instead, s. 38 simply removes the right to freedom from discrimination. Removing s. 38 doesn't means schools will never be allowed to discriminate - it just means we will be able to have a sensible conversation about the competing rights.

In addition to Australia's Catholic school system, 96% of private schools are religious-affiliated. 1 in 3 students is enrolled in one or the other. Most Australians would be unaware that these schools, by law, can discriminate against #LGBTQIA+ students and teachers simply for being who they are. This post is personal for me. I've lost a child to another country where their human rights are protected. Their story is not dissimilar to those in Equality Australia's ad below. They experienced bullying and discrimination including the following destructive comment from their religious instruction teacher in year 8: "While Christians are an accepting lot, God does not approve of homosexuality." Over time, they went from being an extroverted, funny, confident child to an anxious, insecure and isolated kid. It was heartbreaking. 1 in 10 Australians identify as #LGBTQIA+. In a modern Australia, are we comfortable with religious freedoms defying human rights? Or would we prefer to foster a kinder, fairer, more inclusive Australia where the rights of one group are not elevated above another? If the latter, please share this ad with your MP and ask them to stand up for equality when the religious discrimination bill is debated once again. I'll start with mine Zali Steggall OAM MP and include others Zoe Daniel Allegra Spender Kylea Tink Mark Morris Jennifer (Jenny) Morris Jane Caro AM Allan Ball MBSW Wendy Tuohy Alastair Lawrie Alex Greenwich MP Women for Election Anthony Reinhart Louise Milligan Lisa Annese Andi Csontos Dr Blair Williams Emily Mayo Monica Bradley Fay Calderone Emma Alberici Matt Tyler Alys Gagnon Denise Shrivell Philip Busfield [ He Him ] Equality Australia #HumanRights #LGBTRights #modernAustralia #Equality #Respect #Inclusion

Every child deserves the chance to grow up happy and healthy, supported by professionals who understand their needs and can provide the right care. For trans and gender-diverse young people in the UK, this should include access to knowledgeable, well-trained healthcare providers and appropriate medical treatments where needed. Right now, this isn’t the reality. Long waiting times, limited access, and a lack of local services already create unnecessary hardship for trans youth and their families. The decision to make a blanket ban on puberty blockers permanent only makes things worse. Puberty blockers are a reversible, evidence-based treatment that give young people time to explore their identity without the stress of irreversible changes to their body. For many, they are a lifeline, easing mental health struggles and allowing space to make informed decisions about their future. Banning them takes away that option entirely, ignoring the advice of medical professionals and the needs of trans youth. We must work towards a future where every young person can access the care and support they need without judgement, excessive delays, or barriers. Compassionate, evidence-based healthcare is not just essential; it’s a right.

This article discusses the ways in which LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness face discrimination and violence. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3S5352J #YouthHomelessness

At Modern Military, we know our community is rattled by today's flurry of reporting about a potential impending ban on transgender service. This Military.com com article is just one of many you might have come across: https://lnkd.in/eAh97HZK. We want to reassure everyone that there is not yet any public evidence, policy, or decision from the incoming administration. At this point, this is speculative, and nothing is certain or definitive. That said, we are concerned that another ban remains a possibility, and we deeply understand the fear and uncertainty this incites for so many service members and their loved ones. In the mean time, please read our open letter that covers ways the LGBTQ+ community can prepare in the coming months: https://lnkd.in/e6yb8G3J. We will keep our community updated with any new developments. 

Protective state LGBTQ+ policies significantly reduce interpersonal discrimination, particularly for transgender and non-binary individuals. Explore this research in the ICPSR Bibliography of Data-Related Literature: https://myumi.ch/DE7vB.

October is coming to a close but we must continue the conversation about domestic violence awareness and show those impacted that they are not alone. One in three women, one in four men, and nearly half of LGBTQ+ people will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. We must collectively work towards ending domestic violence and creating safe, healthy communities for everyone. #DomesticViolenceAwareness #EndDomesticViolence #StopTheViolence

Help us reach our #GivingTuesday goal! 💫 After the events of the past month—really the past year—we could all use a day that is focused on some of humanity's best qualities: our generosity and care for one another. This election hit us hard, and while we plan for the impact of these next four years, we know one thing: LGBTQ+ people and our communities will need resources to defend and advance protections in the places we call home. 🏳️🌈 The challenges we face in our interconnected fight for LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and reproductive freedom are more pressing than ever. The harsh legislative landscape faced by our state partners will be amplified, and we must remain committed to supporting them through the long haul. We cannot do this without your support. Make a gift today to get us closer to our $2,000 goal and support LGBTQ+ folks in the states: eqfed.org/givingtuesday24 🌱 

In celebration of Nonbinary Awareness Week, we’re revisiting some research that sheds light on the growing recognition of nonbinary identities. Did you know that over 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ youth identify as nonbinary? This highlights the importance of respecting pronouns and affirming these diverse identities. Dive into our blog to learn more about the dynamic nature of gender and how we can all be better allies to nonbinary folks. Read the full article here: https://loom.ly/DGdBwMY #NonbinaryAwarenessWeek #TheFutureIsNonbinary

https://ow.ly/Mon650SMawp - New research dives into how historical events and social changes shape the lives of older gay men! By using life course theory, this study uncovers how different times and experiences impact their journey through life. 🌈✨ Check out how understanding these factors can reveal new insights into aging and LGBTQ+ experiences. Title: Article Beyond identity and generations: bringing life course theory to studies of older gay men. (J Ramirez-Valles CAPS/PRC