Sharwood Lecture 2024

CHURCH LAW AND ANTIDISCRIMINATION LAW: DO THEY NEED TO COLLIDE? 2024 SHARWOOD LECTURE MANDY TIBBEY, Barrister-at-Law Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................1 An overview of anti-discrimination law in Australia with particular reference to sex, gender and sexuality ...................................................................................................................................................1 Coverage, exceptions, exemptions and possible reform .....................................................................5 The structure of the Anglican Church of Australia and decision-making within the church ........11 Where have some discrimination issues emerged within the Anglican Church of Australia and how have they been dealt with? ..........................................................................................................12 Affirming Women’s gifts - Ordination ...............................................................................................13 Acceptance of gay and lesbian people. ...............................................................................................15 Views can change: considering the examples of slavery and Mabo (No 2). ....................................16 Principles within the Christian tradition that assist in navigating possible collisions between church law and practice and anti-discrimination law ........................................................................18 Emerging issues: acceptance of transgender people..........................................................................19 Can anti-discrimination law assist in the development and implementation of church law and practice in considering matters involving sex, gender and sexuality?...............................................21 Looking forward – what issues face us and what will our choices be? ............................................22