Human Rights Commission (Press, 1 April 1980)
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Summary: Human Rights Commission (Press, 1 April 1980)
In a series of letters published in "The Press" in March 1980, readers express diverse opinions regarding employment practices and the interaction of religion, sexuality, and hiring decisions. The initial letter criticises the notion that an employer should be restricted in choosing the sex of potential hires, arguing that as long as the gender of applicants is not explicitly stated as the reason for rejection, no wrongdoing occurs. The writer, identified as G. K. Friend, highlights the perceived inconsistency of societal norms where it is considered unacceptable to advertise for a Christian but acceptable to look for a homosexual flatmate. Following Friend's letter, Geraldine Mercer voices her support for the employer’s right to select staff based on personal preferences, suggesting that skills and competencies are vital for productivity in a workplace. She argues that it is logical for an employer to seek personnel who align with certain values or characteristics, such as religion, further implying that these choices are a matter of personal discretion rather than human rights infringement. E. Read contributes to the debate by reflecting on the implications of a ruling that states filling petrol tanks lacks religious significance. The letter posits that many cultural and religious practices imbue daily activities with deeper meaning, countering the assertion that such duties are devoid of significance. Read contends that for devout individuals, including Christians, religious beliefs inform all aspects of life, including how one performs seemingly mundane tasks. The writer warns against disregarding religious frameworks, suggesting that doing so diminishes the overall meaning of life's activities. Overall, the exchange illustrates a broader societal dialogue on the balance between employer rights and discrimination, the role of religion in personal and professional choices, and the complexities of defining significance in everyday actions.
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