In a recent submission to a review of anti-discrimination laws, the Presbyterian Church of Australia argued for the right to exclude students from leadership positions, such as school captain, if they were having pre-marital sex or in a same-sex relationship arguing that "They would not be able to give appropriate Christian leadership in a Christian school which requires modelling Christian living", AAP reports. 

The NSW Council of Civil Liberties said the proposal seemed punitive and would have a chilling effect on student morale.

"We know that queer kids exist in these schools, it's sending a clear message that they're not welcome," president Josh Pallas told AAP.

"We know that queer kids are more susceptible to mental health issues so it's really quite damaging and comes in the context of heightened fears for their safety."

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