[Air-L] ANU Sociology Seminar Series: "Religious exemptions as public pedagogies of homophobia", Prof Anna Hickey-Moody, Mon 24 Feb

[Thao Phan]

Apologies for cross-posting! Please join us for the upcoming seminar in the
ANU Sociology seminar series on "Religious exemptions as public pedagogies
of homophobia" presented by Prof Anna Hickey-Moody. Available to attend
in-person and online.
Hope you can join us!

All the best,
Thao
--

*ANU Sociology Seminar Series 2025*

"Religious exemptions as public pedagogies of homophobia"
Prof Anna Hickey-Moody, Maynooth National University of Ireland

*Date:* Monday 24 Feb, 12 – 1pm
*Location: *4.69 RSSS Building & Online (Zoom)
*Full details: *
https://sociology.cass.anu.edu.au/events/religious-exemptions-public-pedagogies-homophobia-0
<https://sociology.cass.anu.edu.au/events/religious-exemptions-public-pedagogies-homophobia-0>

*Abstract*
The concept of public pedagogy (Sandlin et al. 2010) explores how societal
norms are conveyed outside formal education. This framework helps to
understand how religious exemptions to discrimination laws in Australian
schools function as a means of teaching homophobia. Religious exemptions
allow faith-based schools in Australia to exclude LGBTQIA+ students and
staff based on religious beliefs, reinforcing certain values and
behaviours. The Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Section 38, permits religious
schools to discriminate against employees and students based on sexuality
and gender identity (Ciaffaglione, 2023).

This legislation suggests that conservative religious organisations
dominate public debate on religious values in Australia, but there is no
clear definition of what it means to act in “good faith.” The application
of this principle, influenced by the right-wing Christian lobby, normalises
heterosexuality and cisgender identities as superior. These exemptions
signal societal acceptance of discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals,
embedding discriminatory norms beyond the school setting (Hickey-Moody et
al. 2008).
For LGBTQIA+ students, these policies create a lived pedagogy of exclusion,
leading to feelings of alienation and reduced well-being. Empirical data
from ARC-funded research shows how young people feel their personhood
conflicts with institutional values.

The lessons of homophobia taught by these exemptions extend into broader
society. To reshape public debates on religion and LGBTQ+ rights, it’s
argued that Australia must not privilege religious culture over human
rights but instead protect the rights of all individuals through inclusive
legislation.

*Bios*
Professor Anna Hickey-Moody is an intersectional feminist scholar, writer
and creative. Her research focuses on understanding youth cultures,
particularly in relation to gender, sex, race, disability, class and
religion. Anna has undertaken qualitative and quantitative empirical
research in Europe, the U.K and Australia. Her research has been funded by
Enterprise Ireland, the Australian Research Council, the Australian Academy
for the Humanities, The Arts Council UK, The Canada Research Council, The
European COST Network IS1307, School Focused Youth Services, Darebin City
Council Youth Services, and a range of other partners. Anna is a Professor
of Intersectional Humanities at Maynooth, National University of Ireland
and Professor of Media and Communication at RMIT University, Melbourne.