An Australian private school has been accused of discrimination after banning a lesbian student from attending a formal dance with her female partner.

Hannah Williams, 16, decided not to attend the dance after being told to bring a male partner instead of girlfriend Savannah Supski.

Miss Williams told The Age newspaper: “I put a lot of effort into trying to fix things. I had meetings with principals; looked through the Equal Opportunity Act; all my friends put posters up around the school and the teachers ripped them down.”

Her father has now lodged a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission, arguing that the school has breached the Equal Opportunities Act.

Heather Schnagl, headmistress at the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar in Melbourne, where school fees are around £11,000 per year, has denied the charge. She told reporters, “I don’t think it’s appropriate they feel discriminated against, and I’m very upset they feel that.”

She continued, “The policy is trying to create an event where boys are invited.”

Miss Williams has decided to move to a “more accepting” state school, where Miss Supski will also attend.

A school in Oklahoma, US is also facing accusations of discrimination from two former students who claim they were stopped from graduating because they are a gay couple.

KWTV News spoke to Melissa McKenzie, 18, who says she was expelled from Del City High School when the Principle discovered she had moved in with her girlfriend. He told her she would be welcomed back if she returned to her parents’ home.

McKenzie’s partner Kelsey Hicks (pictured), who had dropped out of school but wanted to return, says she was discouraged by the school. “The Principal will say ‘Well, you’re gay. You’re not going to do anything with your life. You might as well just drop out now,’” Hicks said. “It’s stuff to put you down that makes you want to drop out.”

Although Hicks claims she has contacted members of the school board, the school says that no complaints have been received.

A statement from district officials read: “It is the policy of the Mid-Del Public School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, services, and activities.”

Another American High School student, Constance McMillen, made headlines earlier in the year when her school cancelled their Prom to prevent her attending with her girlfriend. She was rewarded $35,000 in damages in July.

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