The Tasmanian Parliament is currently reviewing allegations of discrimination and bullying in Catholic schools, as presented during a recent inquiry led by **Equality Tasmania**. The inquiry received powerful testimonies from students and former staff members, highlighting troubling experiences within these educational institutions.
During the hearing, **Amilie Courtney**, a Grade 12 student at **St Patrick’s College** and a young trans woman, detailed her struggles with isolation and abuse due to her gender identity. She stated, “I have experienced isolation, exclusion, bullying and abuse all because I am trans. No child should have to trade their dignity for an education.” Amilie expressed her desire for meaningful change, emphasizing that “the discrimination is systemic but it can be turned around.”
Another poignant testimony came from **Leon Pecl**, a queer trans man who shared his experiences while attending an all-girls Catholic school in **Hobart**. He remarked on the failure of school policies against homophobia and transphobia, stating, “Even though my school had policies against homophobia and transphobia, they weren’t enforced and bullying and ostracism against queer people went unchallenged and unchecked.” Leon urged the committee to ensure that all students feel safe in their educational environments.
A former leader from a Catholic school also contributed to the inquiry, discussing discrimination based on his heterosexual relationship status. **Rodney Croome**, a spokesperson for Equality Tasmania, commended the bravery of those who shared their stories. “It was a privilege to stand alongside students and teachers who have shown such bravery and commitment in telling their stories about discrimination in schools,” he noted.
In response to the testimonies, **Equality Tasmania** has proposed several recommendations to the inquiry. Among these is a call for **Catholic Education Tasmania** to comply with the **Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act**, which does not permit exemptions for faith-based schools. This aligns with the organization’s view that the state’s anti-discrimination laws should be upheld without exception.
Catholic Education Tasmania has previously defended its position by claiming that a federal law exemption applies, a stance that Rodney Croome has described as incorrect. The inquiry continues to gather evidence and testimonies to evaluate the extent of discrimination in Tasmanian Catholic schools, with the aim of fostering an inclusive educational environment for all students.
As the inquiry progresses, both current and former students are hopeful that their stories will lead to substantive reforms, ensuring that no child has to face discrimination or bullying based on their identity in schools.
