Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here

Parents welcome Queensland school's 'expression of regret' over student contracts calling homosexuality a sin

Parents have welcomed a "statement of regret" issued by Queensland private school Citipointe Christian College over enrolment contracts students were told to sign that called homosexuality a sin and compared it to bestiality, incest and paedophilia.
The school issued the statement last night after its operator, Christian Outreach Centre, reached a settlement with the group of parents that took it to the Queensland Human Rights Commission over the contracts.
Helen Clapham-Burns, who was both a parent and teacher at the school when the contracts were issued in early 2022, and who resigned in protest of them, said the college's statement was a welcome development.
Former Citipointe Christian College student has weighed in on the "destroying" contract condemning gender diverse and homosexual students issued by the school.
Parents have welcomed a "statement of regret" issued by Queensland private school Citipointe Christian College over enrollment contracts students were told to sign that called homosexuality a sin. (9News)
"The expression of regret says the college is committed to continuing to reviewing and strengthening its anti-discrimination policies," she said today.
"This is really important to me both as a parent and a Christian educator who strives to love in an inclusive way."
The contracts given to students contained a "declaration of faith" that included the following passage:
"We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other.
"We believe that God has commanded that no sexual activity be engaged in outside such marriage.
Protestors march as they hold signs during a rally against the Religious Discrimination Bill on February 04, 2022 in Brisbane
The contracts drew nationwide condemnation in 2022 and sparked protests in Brisbane. (Jono Searle/Getty Images)
"We believe that any form of sexual immorality (including but not limited to; adultery, fornication, homosexual acts, bisexual acts, bestiality, incest, paedophilia, and pornography) is sinful and offensive to God and is destructive to human relationships and society.
"We believe that God created human beings as male or female."
Janina Leo's transgender daughter Amy graduated from Citipointe in 2021, only for her attendance at the school formal while wearing a dress.
Leo said engaging with the school over that was difficult and distressing, and that the contracts issued shortly after made matters worse.
"It was a very painful and distressing time, just following the formal," she said.
"My family have been involved at the college for over 22 years so we have a long relationship with the school.
"As a result of the changes to the contract and the difficulties with Amy the previous year, I decided to withdraw my (other) two children from Citipointe Christian College.
"I believed it important to bring this issue to the Human Rights Commission in 2022 to highlight that, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, children have a right to an education... they have a right to be accepted and supported."
In its statement, Citipointe College did not apologise for the contracts, but said it regretted the "distress or concern" they caused.
"The Christian Outreach Centre and the College acknowledge, on reflection, that those statements were distressing to members and allies of the LGBTIQA+ community," the statement reads.
Citipointe Christian College Principal Brian Mulheran.
Citipointe Christian College Principal Brian Mulheran resigned after issuing the contracts. (Supplied)
"Christian Outreach Centre and the College recognises that all persons have a right to be treated with respect and all students deserve to feel safe and respected," it adds.
"This is consistent with our fundamental belief that all people are made in the image of God."
The expression notes that the contracts were issued by former principal Pastor Brian Mulheran, who resigned following public outrage in March 2022.
The college has also "facilitated a donation to a charity which provides assistance and training with respect to youth mental health issues, including with respect to diversity and inclusion".
CONTACT US

Send your stories to contact@9news.com.au

Auto news: The change coming to a BMW favourite.