The Hodgman Liberal Government is delivering on our election commitment to exempt faith-based schools from certain provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act.
This amendment has already passed the Lower House of Parliament and will soon be debated in the Legislative Council.
As promised, the Anti-Discrimination Amendment Bill will allow faith-based schools to give preference in their admissions to students who have religious beliefs, affiliations or activities consistent with those of the school.
It will not allow discrimination on any other grounds.
This is hardly a radical change.
The amendment brings Tasmanian law into line with all other states and territories.
In addition, under existing laws, religious schools are already able to apply for an exemption to the Act, but this can be a cumbersome and uncertain process as it is difficult for schools to predict in advance whether a year group may be oversubscribed with students seeking admission.
While it is not surprising to see the anti-change AEU against this move, it is passing strange that the Council of Civil Liberties are against a proposal that enshrines the freedom of religion.