From The Brisbane Times
Ethics lesson two: tell the truth
By Fred Nile
August 5, 2011
Opinion
The Herald has given wide coverage to my perceived actions regarding the future of the so-called ''ethics course'' in NSW schools.
I have not sought to blackmail the NSW government. I simply reminded them: before they reject my Ethics Repeal Bill, they should remember they need our votes to pass their controversial industrial relations legislation. I never said I would vote against it, even though I have genuine concerns about its impact.
"My intention was to hold the Coalition to their
original policy" ... Fred Nile. Photo: Jon Reid
In fact, during my appointment with Premier Barry O'Farrell on July 28, at his request, we never discussed the industrial legislation or my vote. We came to the conclusion that my bill could proceed through the Coalition's cabinet and party room for discussion.
My intention throughout the process was simply to hold the Coalition to their original policy, which opposed ethics classes. Unfortunately, before the election, the Premier wrongly believed the Greens would hold the balance of power in the upper house and told me privately that despite a desire to do so, he could not repeal the legislation and would maintain the status quo.
Our party thanks Almighty God and the NSW voters that we now hold the ''balance of prayer and responsibility'' and not the pagan Greens. So, given the outcome of the election, the Coalition can now implement their original policy and vote for my bill, which concludes the ethics course in December so that principals can arrange quality education opportunities for children withdrawn from scripture classes by their parents next year.
Full load of bollocks: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/opinion/politics/ethics-lesson-two-tell-the-truth-20110804-1iddo.html
Mr Nile is entitled to his own opinion, of course. Political representatives do not, however, have the right to enforce their preferred religious doctrines upon their constituents, or anyone else, for that matter. Going by the majority of the comments posted to this story, it thankfully seems that many people recognise and support that view.
