'What message do we want parliament to send to these kids?' MPs from all sides speak out over religious discrimination bill's ongoing shortfalls

‘What message do we want parliament to send to these kids?’ MPs from all sides speak out over religious discrimination bill’s ongoing shortfalls

While the Coalition party room backed amendments to its religious discrimination bill last night, the legislation remains framed only to partially protect gay students while overlooking the welfare of trans students altogether.

Widespread backlash ensued, with MPs from both sides of the political arena condemning the exclusion of transgender protections.

Liberal MP Bridget Archer made clear she would oppose the bill, saying she was “horrified” and “utterly distressed” that the government’s amendments failed to safeguard trans children.

“After so much progress, how did we get back to a place where we ignore the harm we place on children when we tell them they are ‘other’, ‘less than’ and do not deserve rights and protections afforded to others? I fear it may risk lives,” she said.

It’s reported that at least six other Liberal MPs expressed similar concerns.

The bill proposes to protect gay students–but not trans students– from school expulsion, while both groups continue to be vulnerable to other forms of discrimination.

Australian swimming legend and LGBTQI+ advocate, Ian Thorpe said the bill amounted to “state-sanctioned discrimination” with the “most marginalised and disadvantaged people in this country” left behind.

“When you look at some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged people in this country, this is a group of people that we should be protecting,” Thorpe said.

“It becomes state-sanctioned discrimination to gain rights for one group of people, whilst excluding another group of people.”

While Labor is yet to confirm whether it will support the bill in its current form, many ministers have spoken out echoing the same fears as Archer.

Labor MP Stephen Jones issued an emotional rallying call last night, urging that the bill not be rushed through parliament and courageously sharing his personal fears following the recent suicide of his nephew, Ollie who was just 15.

“Last week, my family said farewell to my nephew, Ollie. He was just 15 when he took his own life,” he said.

“He was a beautiful, creative, courageous young man.

“He was gay, he was uncertain about his gender … but now he’s gone and we’re no longer going to be able to love and support him on his journey through life.”

Jones also shared fears for how the legislation could potentially impact his own gender non-conforming son who had always exhibited “courage to swim against the tide”.

“It’s about all of our kids, about the families of those kids, every child who’s had the courage to swim against the tide, just to be who they are,” he said.

“What message do we want parliament to send to these kids?

“What I’m saying to the Leader of the Opposition and the Prime Minister, if he’ll listen, is let’s take a step back, let’s imagine a national story that talks to all of us.

“And let’s not do something in the name of freedom of religion that does damage or harm to those of us who we love.

“We’ve been to too many funerals, let’s get this done but let’s do it properly.”

Labor will hold a caucus meeting today following shadow cabinet to decide its position on the bill.

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