February 11, 2022

Statement of support for gender, sex, sexuality diverse and religious communities

All members of UOW community have the right to a safe, healthy, and respectful environment to work and study

The University acknowledges recent debate about the Religious Discrimination Bill has been extremely challenging for gender, sex, sexuality diverse and religious communities who have found their lives debated and dissected in the Parliament.

We believe that equal rights and protection against discrimination for all are essential to our safety, health, and wellbeing and that when some communities’ rights are less valued than others, it can have a devastating effect.

The University believes all members of its community have the right to a safe, healthy, and respectful environment to work and study, regardless of religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability, or other personal attributes.

We stand with our gender, sex and sexuality diverse staff and students and oppose any form of discrimination.

We stand in solidarity with gender, sex and sexuality diverse individuals from various faith and ethnic communities who may be particularly affected.

We are here to support staff and students during this stressful period via the following available support services:

• 24hr Student Wellbeing and Support Line: 1300 046 139
• Employee Assistance Line: 1300 361 008
• QLife – National LGBTI Telephone Counselling and Information Line: 1800 184 527
• Transhub - https://www.transhub.org.au/