The heads of 34 Anglican Schools in NSW have written to federal MPs urging them to protect exemptions in the Sex Discrimination Act that allow them to sack gay teachers.

The letter was signed by principals from some of Sydney's most prestigious private colleges, including Abbotsleigh, Shore and The Kings School. It was also sent to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. It follows the Government's decision to introduce a new Religious Discrimination Act to protect gay students.

The decision, during campaigning for the Wentworth by-election, was sparked by a leaked review into religious protections in Australia by former Liberal MP Philip Ruddock.

It recommended the legislative provisions allowing religious schools to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status should be made consistent around the country.

The principals' letter requests that religious exemptions stay in place until religious freedoms are legally protected. Read more via ABC