The discourse surrounding religious freedom in Australia has become increasingly contentious, especially in the context of schooling, writes Jacinta Collins. Source: Eureka Street.
As a former Australian senator and now as the executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission, I have noted with concern the growing perception that holding religious beliefs and values – and making choices based on them – is somehow discriminatory or at odds with modern society.
This misconception must be addressed, particularly as it undermines the very principles of diversity and inclusion that Australia has committed to uphold.
Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. It is enshrined in international law which Australia has ratified, and is also recognised, albeit in a limited way, in our Constitution.
Australia’s commitment extends, not only to the freedom to worship, but also to the right to live and teach according to one’s religious beliefs and values.
For parents, this includes the right to choose an education for their children that aligns with their faith and moral beliefs.
Choosing a faith-based school is not an act of exclusion or discrimination; rather, it is a deeply personal decision for parents driven by their desire to raise children in an environment that nurtures not only their academic and cultural development, but also their spiritual formation, understanding of religious teachings, and eternal relationship with God.
In a pluralist society like Australia, diversity is celebrated in many facets of society. We claim to value different perspectives, cultures and lifestyles. Yet, when it comes to religious views and expressions, there is an increasing tendency to marginalise them or regard them as outdated or discriminatory.
This is particularly evident in the debate over religious schools and their place in the broader educational landscape, with our schools being denied critical resources such as Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships.
Yet, religious schools are one of the fastest-growing segments of schooling and play a vital role in Australia’s education system, serving families from a variety of religious backgrounds.
The notion that it is somehow discriminatory for religious schools to operate and teach according to their beliefs, or to employ staff who support those beliefs, is a misunderstanding of both the nature of faith-based schools and the rights of the families who choose them.
Jacinta Collins is the executive director of the National Catholic Education Commission and a former senator for Victoria.
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Can religious freedom and education coexist? (Eureka Street)
