Thursday, July 8, 2010

Christian Brethren and discrimination

Spotted this one on the local ABC news.
A Victorian gay youth group is taking legal action against the Christian Brethren Church alleging discrimination. The suicide prevention group, WayOut, says it was barred from hiring the church's camp grounds on Phillip Island in 2007. The group believes the church refused to do business because of its stance on homosexuality. Under the Equal Opportunity Act, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is against the law, but some exemptions exist for religious organisations. The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) will hear the discrimination complaint today. Associate Professor Anne Mitchell from the Australian Research Centre for Sex, Health and Society says the camps are used to give children a break from homophobia. "Its somewhat ironic that in the process they experienced what we say is further discrimination." she said.
 I'm following this for a few reason. Its just down the road. I've stayed at there camp sites a number of time, they are excellent.
How a strong evangelical organisation is to navigate this will be revealing. It is interesting that the government is to enforce 'non discrimination.' I would think that Jesus would be non discriminatory. Must be something deeper...