From The Sydney Morning Herald
Ethics lesson 1: don't trade children's interests for Nile's obsession
By Simon Longstaff
August 2, 2011
Opinion
A third way ... an estimated 97,000 children don't have a meaninful option to
being "parked" while others attend scripture. Photo: Wolter Peeters
I know that politics is the ''art of the possible''. I know that its currency is compromise and deal-making. I know that those who exercise power are asked on occasions to violate their own consciences and get their hands dirty. I know all of this to be true.
Yet, still I believe that there are occasions when these basic truths of ''politics as usual'' should be set aside for a greater good. Such a time has come. To trade the interests of primary school children in a debate about industrial relations is utterly unseemly.
The Reverend Fred Nile opposes the provision of ethics classes as a meaningful option for children not attending classes in special religious education (scripture). He is virtually alone in his opposition.
Yet, still I believe that there are occasions when these basic truths of ''politics as usual'' should be set aside for a greater good. Such a time has come. To trade the interests of primary school children in a debate about industrial relations is utterly unseemly.
The Reverend Fred Nile opposes the provision of ethics classes as a meaningful option for children not attending classes in special religious education (scripture). He is virtually alone in his opposition.
Official public support for the ethics classes has come from the three major Christian denominations: Catholic, Anglican and Uniting. They join other faith groups in their support - Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist - and a host of others. Then there are parents of all faiths and none, who in overwhelming numbers support the right of their children to have a meaningful option if their faith is not offered or if they do not believe their children should be exposed to religion in schools.
Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ethics-lesson-1-dont-trade-childrens-interests-for-niles-obsession-20110801-1i81v.html
