Poll: Two-thirds of NSW voters do not support law to allow private schools to discriminate against gay students

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A poll has found that two-thirds of residents of New South Wales do not support current laws which allow private schools to discriminate against LGBT students, and a large majority were not aware of the law.

A private members bill was introduced by Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich back in July, which would stop faith schools from being allowed to discriminate, by removing exemptions from the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act. 

The act makes it unlawful for public schools and educational institutions to discriminate against, or expel students based on sexuality or gender identity. Private schools are exempt from the act, however.

Mr Greenwich has now conducted an automated phone poll which found that 66% of respondents did not support current laws. 18% supported the law, and 16% were undecided.

Out of 1,200 respondents, 72% said they were not aware of the law which currently allows private schools to discriminate on the basis of sexuality, marriage status and disability.

The Labor party in New South Wales is to back Mr Greenwich’s bill, but the future of the bill  remains uncertain, as the Liberal party is yet to give an opinion on the matter. The Liberals have said there will not be a conscience vote on the issue, but the party has not decided on what its stance will be.

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