A school has defended its decision to dismiss a teacher for being gay.
Craig Campbell was removed from his job at South Coast Baptist College in Western Australia, after students found “evidence” about his sexuality on Facebook.
The teacher confirmed to his employers that he was gay. But rather than defend the teacher, who had been at the school for more than two years, the school’s principal sacked him.
(Facebook/craig campbell)
In a statement the principal Des Mitchell insisted that Mr Campbell’s sexuality was “inconsistent” with being a teacher.
Mr Mitchell said: “I shared with him that at present there is an inconsistency with his beliefs on sexuality and the college’s beliefs.
“At the time Craig requested to be a relief teacher at SCBC, he had a very clear knowledge of the college’s Christian values and related beliefs.”
He admitted previously: “At present, for us, we choose not to employ someone who’s openly gay.”
The school is exempt from anti-discrimination schools under rules that protect faith bodies.
Speaking to ABC, WA’s LGBTI Advocacy Group called for the rules to be changed to protect gay employees like Mr Campbell.
The group said: “That exemption is now out of date and out of step with community feeling.
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