Join Anglican Minister and academic Rev Dr Angus McLeay in conversation with discrimination law expert and LGBTQ+ advocate Alastair Lawrie to explore the intersection between ‘religious freedom’ and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in Australian religious schools and organisations.
WHEN: 1-2pm, Tuesday 19 August 2025
RSVP: [email protected]
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In many parts of Australia, the law permits religious schools and social service providers to discriminate against LGBTQ employees just for being who they are.
This has exposed many LGBTQ people to harm, through exclusion, bullying, harassment and the constant fear of being ‘outed’ – then expelled or sacked. Some influential religious authorities adamantly argue that their schools and social service organisations require exemptions to protect religious freedom.
In this conversation, Rev Dr Angus McLeay will share findings from his recently published PhD looking at how Christian organisations manage rights to religious freedom with rights to non-discrimination for LGBT+ employees.
The conversation will also consider current laws and proposals for reform, with a focus on the review of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 now underway.
Email [email protected] to register and we will send you a Zoom link before the session. This is a free event.
About the speakers
Alastair Lawrie
Alastair Lawrie is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Justice and Equity Centre and a passionate advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities.
At the JEC, he has led policy and advocacy efforts to stop the Morrison Government’s Religious Discrimination Bill, protect LGBTQ students and teachers in religious schools against discrimination, ensure LGBTQ+ communities are counted in the Census, and modernise the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
Alastair is a Board Member of LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, Board Member and Co-Chair of Twenty10, member of the LGBTIQA+ sub-committee of Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and Co-Chair of the Tennis Australia LGBTIQA+ Advisory Group.
Angus McLeay
Rev Dr Angus McLeay is an ordained Anglican minister, based in Melbourne. Angus has degrees in theology and law, and recently completed a PhD through the University of Tasmania titled Seeking Clarity: How Christian Organisations Manage Rights to Religious Freedom and Non-Discrimination for LGBT+ Employees.
Angus has worked as a minister in churches and other religious organisations over many years. Beginning with the National Human Rights Consultation, Angus became intrigued with the ways religion and human rights intersect, engaging with stakeholders from all perspectives. He has published widely on related issues.
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