I am writing to you as a constituent to ask you to support reform of section 38 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, which allows religious educational institutions to dismiss teachers and expel students because of their sexuality, gender identity, marital status or pregnancy.

No one should lose their job, or their place at school, because of who they are.

Students have reported being refused enrolment, suspended, expelled or removed from leadership roles such as school prefect, after their sexuality or gender identity became known. Teachers have reported being dismissed or demoted for getting divorced, having a baby out of wedlock or through IVF or because of who they love.

Those who have come forward describe significant and lasting harm, including loss of employment, loss of community and serious damage to their mental health. I do not believe taxpayer funds should go to institutions that are permitted to discriminate in this way.

I believe reform can respect religious freedom while still protecting the students we entrust these schools to nurture, and the teachers who educate our future generations. That might mean allowing religious schools to continue to preference staff on the basis of faith, or it might take another form, but it is a conversation that needs to happen.

I urge you to support amending section 38 so that staff and students at religious schools have the same protections as everyone else.

I would appreciate knowing your position on this issue.