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Religious schools can build a community of faith without discriminating. The law should reflect that
Last month, the ALRC released its consultation paper. It recommended the exceptions in federal discrimination law allowing religious schools to discriminate be removed.In response, some faith leaders and commentators have argued the ALRC proposals threaten the future of religious education, represent a “fundamental attack” on religious freedom, and would be “catastrophic” for religious schools.This is entirely untrue.
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Human Rights Day 2022: A Federal Human Rights Act to Deliver Climate Justice
Against the background of Human Rights Day on 10 December 2022, the recent decision of the Land Court of Queensland in Waratah Coal Pty Ltd v Youth Verdict Ltd provides an illustration of the potential for human rights enshrined in law to be mobilised in claims for climate justice.
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‘Not my king’: do we have the right to protest the monarchy at a time of mourning?
During the present period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, public sensitivities in the United Kingdom and Australia are high. There’s strong sentiment in both countries in favour of showing respect for the queen’s death. Some people may wish to do this privately. Others will want to demonstrate their respect publicly by attending commemorations and…
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There’s never been a better time: Enhancing the protection of human rights in Australia
Given that the Australian landscape appears ripe for increased protection of human rights: What are the human rights priorities in Australia?
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A Robot Breaks the Finger of a 7-Year Old: A Lesson in the Need for Stronger Artificial Intelligence
Disturbing footage emerged this week of a chess-playing robot breaking the finger of a seven-year-old child during a tournament in Russia. Public commentary on this event highlights some concern in the community about the increasing use of robots in our society. Some people joked on social media that the robot was a “sore loser” and…
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To give schools real choice about secular school chaplains, latest change needs to go further
New federal Education Minister Jason Clare has announced a change to the National School Chaplaincy Program to allow schools to “choose” between having a religious chaplain and having a professionally qualified well-being worker. The opposition has criticised the announcement as effectively meaning “the end of many school chaplains”. So what’s the fuss about?
Castan Centre for Human Rights Law 