Sydney private school equates same-sex relationships and trans identity with abuse

The principal of a private Sydney school has defended its "statement of faith" that lists same-sex relationships and transgender identity alongside abusive relationships as "not acceptable to God", saying critics had taken it out of context.

The Penrith Christian school attached its statement of faith to enrolment application forms for students, asking parents to indicate they had "read and understood" it.

In a letter to parents on Monday following media reports, school principal Tracey Deal stood by the statement of faith, saying it had been taken out of context.

"It is disappointing that the media have misunderstood and misinterpreted a small part of the Statement of Faith and inferred mistreatment of students" the letter read.

The statement of faith, which is attached to the school's enrolment application, must be "read and understood" as part of any prospective application, and gives parents an option to discuss the matter with the school.

The school says the document "covers our present needs as to these fundamental doctrines," before detailing its understanding of "fallen relationships".

"Adultery, same sex attraction, transgender identity, premarital sex, sexual acts between members of the same sex and abusive relationships, are all examples of relationships and behaviours which are not acceptable to God.

"Sexual relationships should be exercised exclusively in a marital relationship between a male and female."

There is no indication what, if any, are the consequences for breaching the statement of faith.

In the letter sent to parents, Deal stressed the document makes it clear it relates to "those who have been regenerated, justified and adopted into the family of God".

"This clearly indicates that what follows is intended to outline the expectations of mature believers," the letter reads.

"We ask parents to indicate that they have read and understand our statement, to ensure that you know our beliefs. We also invite you to contact us if there are any issues you want to discuss. This offer remains as an open invitation."

Deal declined to answer the Guardian's questions, instead reiterating that the document had been taken "out of context".

"At present the school is focussing on supporting our students and school community following the recent media coverage that misrepresented our school and inferred conduct that simply does not occur," she said.

"As we have done since the school commenced, we will continue to focus ensuring that the school is a place where all students are genuinely loved and nurtured, a safe and secure environment."

It comes after the principal of Citipointe Christian College in Brisbane stepped down for a period of "extended leave" after criticism for issuing student enrolment contracts that included gender and sexuality clauses. The contract was later withdrawn, with the principal insisting that "the college does not and will not discriminate against any student because of their sexuality or gender identity".

The prime minister, Scott Morrison, said on Thursday that the government would work to amend the religious freedom bill to explicitly prevent students being expelled for their sexuality or gender.

The contentious bill proposed by the government would also make schools with controversial "statements of faith" immune to any legal consequences.

Jeremy Wiggins, executive officer at Transcend Australia, said the religious discrimination bill was "harmful" and would "give licence to faith based employers to discriminate at will."

"If a LGBTQ+ student is terrified to express who they really are to a parent, school friend or teacher for fear of being shamed or expelled then they will constantly be in a state of unnecessary fear, causing great distress and trauma."

The president of the Rationalist Society of Australia, Dr Meredith Doig, told the Guardian it was "appalling" that schools could discriminate based on sexuality and gender.

"Schools like Penrith and Citipointe are just the tip of the iceberg. Their 'biblically-based' anti-LGBTI views will become much more commonly seen if the religious discrimination bill is passed."

Doig said it was essential at such important intervals in young people's lives to accept their identities and not to judge them.

"It's hard enough dealing with all the social expectations as it is but to have those in authority tell you that the way you feel is unacceptable, that your emerging sexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God, must be truly horrible."

"We should be accepting these young people's emerging identities, not judging them."