South Coast Baptist College in Western Australia has defended it's decision to terminate the employment of a teacher because they had come out as gay.
Craig Campbell revealed his sexuality to his employers (previously reported on here), but soon found himself without work when the school would not offer him any further shifts as a relief teacher, despite being a member of staff at the school for two years.
Following Craig's termination the head teacher of South Coast Baptist College Des Mitchell, pictured on the school website beside the motto 'rigorous minds, compassionate hearts', told media that Craig's sexuality was 'inconsistent' with being a teacher.
At the time Mr Mitchell said, 'I shared with him that at present there is an inconsistency with his beliefs on sexuality and the college's beliefs. At the time Craig requested to be a relief teacher at SCBC, he had a very clear knowledge of the college's Christian values and related beliefs. At present, for us, we chose not to employ someone who's openly gay.'
Unfortunately, as the school is a religious facility it is exempt from anti-discrimination laws. Western Australia's LGBTI Advocacy Group has called for these rules to be changed to protect LGBT+ employees.
The group spoke to ABC News on the issue, stating that 'That exemption is now out of date and out of step with community feeling. this is no longer a political issue. It's a human rights issue.'
Despite this, South Cost Baptist College have insisted that they made the correct choice, insisting that religious freedoms are important.
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