The body representing Catholic Bishops has defended its right to withhold employment against gay people within its education and health institutions. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has given evidence to a Senate Committee which is investigating the Government's planned changes to anti-discrimination laws. The proposed bill allows an exemption for religious bodies if the decision is necessary to avoid injury to religious sensitivities. Fr. Brian Lucas; General Secretary for the Australian Bishops, says the exemption protects religious freedom: “The legislation would allow the school, in balancing those conflicting rights, to say to that teacher 'wouldn't it be better if you found employment somewhere that is more consistent with what your beliefs are.'”
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