A teacher in Western Australia, Craig Campbell, has lost his job as a substitute teacher after he came out as gay to his colleagues at South Coast Baptist College in Perth.
Campbell, who had been working at the school for three years, went to the college as a student, and attended their church, chose to come out at his workplace following a family wedding that he attended with his partner, which was also attended by a number of the school's students.
'It got to the point where I was like, 'I can't hide this anymore',' he spoke out to the press, describing his decision to come out. Campbell, who was openly gay in his personal and family life, chose to inform his head of department about his sexuality. 'I told them I was in a relationship, and obviously this is something that I believe is fine from both a moral and theological standpoint.'
Following this meeting with his head of department, Campbell was removed from the list of relief teachers, effectively firing him from his position at the school.
The college principal, Des Mitchell, who can be seen on the college website next to the school's motto 'Rigorous Minds, Compassionate Hearts', confirmed on television to 7 News Perth that Campbell had lost his job because of his sexuality.
'At present, for us, we choose not to employ someone who is openly gay.' He told reporters. 'There is an inconsistency with his beliefs on sexuality and the college's beliefs.'
Campbell went on to say that he was not out during his time at the college as a student, but recognised that some of his students were struggling in the same issues of being gay in an intolerant environment.
'I could see that there were a number of kids who were struggling with it as well. And I'm sure their experience is just like it was for me,' he said.
Unfortunately, the school will not be facing any legal action for homophobic discrimination as LGBT+ employees at private or religious schools can be fired for no reason under the law.
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