Teacher Launches Legal Challenge Against Catholic School Over Pronoun refusal
A teacher at a Melbourne Catholic school is taking legal action against the school group after being prohibited from using their preferred pronouns, Mx, and facing criticism for challenging the school’s stance on gender identity. The case, which commenced in January 2025, raises significant questions about anti-discrimination protections and religious freedom in australian schools.
The teacher, Sanders, who has worked at the school since 2022, alleges discrimination based on gender identity. The school group, Macs, argued in an april 2024 email that the use of titles like Mx went against “Catholic anthropology” and represented an “ideological shift” from Catholic teaching. Legal experts say the outcome of this case could set a precedent for similar disputes across the country, possibly impacting the rights of LGBTQ+ staff in faith-based institutions.
According too documents seen by Guardian Australia, the school’s leadership intervened when Sanders attempted to use Mx in email signatures. “It’s gut-wrenching every time I see a colleague get married, or ther’s a change of name or title,” Sanders said. “They get to do it without any issue whatsoever, but I’m not allowed to.” Sanders stated that being allowed to use their correct pronouns would “feel like the first time” they could “properly breathe out” as starting at the school.
In a statement,Macs said it would not comment due to ongoing legal proceedings but affirmed that all members of the school community were treated with respect and that Sanders “remains a valued” member of staff. Victorian Equality Commission Commissioner, Brear, emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, “This case matters well beyond Victoria, and if we cannot defend anti-discrimination laws here, similar protections around the country will also be at risk.”
