Victorian Anti Vilification Laws Raise Concerns for Christian Schools

In the early hours of 2 April 2025, the Victorian Parliament passed the'Anti-Villification' Bill which included amendments introduced by the Greens. During the consultation on the Bill, faith leaders raised concerns the impact of proposed changes on freedom of speech and AACS raised concerns in particularl about restrictions on religious teaching in Christian schools.

During debate on the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024  in the Legislative Council, Nationals MP, Gaelle Broad raised a specific question regarding the practical impact of Section 102C of the bill, which deals with public conduct. "I just have a question to do with 102C, because there is an example there about: Conduct may be public conduct even if it occurs at a school or a workplace. I just want to clarify, for freedom of expression, for example, in Christian schools expressing Christian teaching, faith-based teaching intended for their community – within chapels, for example, or newsletters or emails sent out to parents – will religious institutions or schools for teaching be able to uphold and share their faith?"  Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes responded with a simple “Yes,” offering reassurance that religious institutions may continue to express their faith within their communities.

As this new legal landscape takes shape, AACS remains committed to advocating for the right of Christian schools to teach and live out their faith without compromise.