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A gay couple were “unlawfully discriminated against on the grounds of homosexuality” by a welfare agency linked to the Uniting Church, which refused their application to become foster carers, the Daily Telegraph reported this week.
The couple, whose identities have been suppressed, lodged a complaint with the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board after their application was rejected.
This week the NSW Administrative Decisions Tribunal awarded the couple $5000 each in compensation after finding they were “deeply hurt, insulted and embarrassed”.
The Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits unlawful discrimination in the provision of services on the grounds of homosexuality and marital status.
Although same-sex couples are legally allowed to become foster carers in NSW, the agency argued it was exempt from the Anti-Discrimination Act on religious grounds.
The tribunal refused a request by the couple for a public apology but ordered the agency to review its policy on same-sex foster carers.
A foster care agency linked to the Uniting Church in Victoria said it welcomes gay and lesbians carers. Orana Family Services coordinator Lois Burroughs told SX:
“We have two gay and lesbians carers at the moment and if you know any, get them to give us a call because we are desperate.”
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