An Australian Catholic school has banned same-sex couples from attending the Year 12 formal together.
Formal is supposed to be one of the highlights of the school year, but not for queer students at St. Ursula's in Kingsgrove, NSW.
Abbie Franklin, a student at the all-girls school, launched a Change.org petition after she and her girlfriend were denied from attending the event as a couple together.
“My girlfriend and I, along with many other students at St. Ursula's in Kingsgrove NSW, Australia, have been eagerly awaiting the school formal for months. We've purchased non-refundable tickets and outfits in anticipation of this event,” she began.
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“However, we've recently discovered that the school does not allow same-sex couples to attend the formal together.”
Franklin said that this policy not only discriminates against LGBTQIA+ students but also puts her in a ‘difficult financial situation’ due to her non-refundable tickets.
She added that despite 61.6 per cent of Australians voting ‘Yes’ for the gay marriage plebiscite, schools like St Ursula’s ‘continue to uphold discriminatory policies’.
“We believe it is time for St. Ursula's to align itself with these values by allowing all students - regardless of their sexual orientation - to bring their chosen partner to the school formal,” Franklin continued.
“By signing this petition, you're standing up against discrimination and supporting equal rights for all students at St. Ursula's School in Kingsgrove NSW, Australia.”
The petition has now closed and received 4,903 signatures.
Even One Nation leader Pauline Hanson chimed into the debate.
“I can’t see any problem with it,” Ms Hanson told Sky News host Paul Murray.
My god, if Pauline Hanson is the most progressive person in the room, there’s a problem.
“We’ve allowed same-sex marriage in Australia, that was voted in a plebiscite by the Australian people – we actually see it on a daily basis on our TV programs we watch,” she continued.
“It’s a part of life so I think to deny these two girls to go to the formal is ridiculous.”
The petition has also captured the attention of NSW Premier Chris Minns, who called for the school’s same-sex ban to be overturned.
“I think in this day and age you should be able to take anyone you like to your Year 12 formal - we are after all talking about teenagers who are close to or over the age of 18,” Mr Minns said, as per the Daily Telegraph.
UNILAD has approached St. Ursula’s for comment.
Charisa Bossinakis