Over recent years in Australia, governments and institutions have grappled with balancing the rights and freedoms of religious and LGBT citizens. Much of the debate has centred on the right of religious schools to discriminate against LGBT students and staff. Many religious school leaders argue that a social license to discriminate is underwritten by the religious beliefs and attitudes of their schools' parents. 

Based on the latest peer-reviewed scientific research, this policy paper outlines public attitudes toward religious school discrimination, including the latest findings in relation to the attitudes of parents with children at religious schools. 

Key findings

• Just 12% parents say they choose a religious school specifically for its religious affiliation. 
• Half (50%) of independent faith school parents, and more than half (53%) of Catholic school parents say religion is of little to no importance in their everyday life. 
• Most Catholic school parents (88%) and independent faith school parents (79%) expressly supportLGBT inclusivity, not discrimination. 
• Even among very religious parents, only around one-quarter (26%) expressly oppose LGBT inclusivity. Religious devotion is not synonymous with anti-LGBT attitudes. 
• Political orientation is important in explaining discrimination attitudes. 
• Australian parents overwhelmingly choose religious schools for their perceived better facilities, teachers and academic standards, student care and attention to discipline.