A Pentecostal Christian school has expressed regret for introducing a controversial student gender and sexuality contract two years ago.
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Brisbane's Citipointe Christian College in Carindale said it now recognised all members of the school community deserved to feel safe and respected following a contract that stipulated it would only enrol students on the basis of the gender that corresponds to their biological sex.
It also said homosexuality was "sinful", like bestiality, incest and pedophilia in the January 2022 decision.
The school eventually withdrew the contracts and principal Brian Mulheran stood aside.
"It is acknowledged that the issuance of the enrolment contract, coupled with a request for the prompt execution and return, caused distress and concern to some students and parents," the school said in a statement on Sunday.
"We regret any distress or concern which was caused to students, parents and guardians of students or prospective students of the college."
The controversial matter was referred by parents and former students to the Human Rights Commission over discrimination concerns.
An agreement between the school and parents was made following settlement discussions.
"The agreement shows the college's commitment to anti-discrimination and its support of inclusion," the school said.
"The college's ethos supports inclusion and understanding people of different faiths and beliefs."
The school said it is committed to the continued education of its staff and students on how to be respectful and value people regardless of their race, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Former teacher and parent Helen Clapham Burns said the statement was a step towards reconciliation between the school and LGBTI community.
"This statement is very powerful. It allows and demonstrates a conversation can take place between religious communities with different interpretations," she told ABCradio on Monday.
"Our goal has been the safety of students who are part of the LGBTI community."
She hoped this was the first step for the religious community to understand the importance of inclusive language and love for all students regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre said the school's expression of regret showed how anti-discrimination laws need to be changed to prevent schools around the country from implementing special rules against LGBTI students and teachers.
'All students should have the right to learn and grow, free from the fear of discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity," director Alastair Lawrie said in a statement.
"The Commonwealth Government must urgently implement the Australian Law Reform Commission's straight-forward recommendations to ensure every student, in every classroom around the country, is finally protected."
Mr Lawrie raised particular concern at laws in NSW where there are broad exceptions for religious schools.
"The successful outcome of complaints in relation to Citipointe's January 2022 enrolment contract also sends a strong message to the NSW Government that it is time to remove out-dated privileges that allow religious schools to discriminate against LGBTQ people," he said.
A bill is being considered by the NSW government that would remove the exceptions.
Australian Associated Press
