[Greens-Media] Pell threatens to rekindle state aid debate

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

	Tuesday, 5 June 2007

	Pell threatens to rekindle state aid debate

	Greens Leader Bob Brown says that Archbishop Pell's proposal to
demand that school principals give an oath to narrow doctrinal
principles threatens to rekindle the debate on state aid.

	"He is moving to stifle rather than encourage debate in the
Catholic school system. Fortunately, other bishops are not coming out in
support of George Pell. That is because his move is so inflammatory,"
Senator Brown said.

	"Demanding that principals take a hard line on issues like women
in the clergy, divorce and homosexuality is a leap back to the 1950s.
The danger is that Archbishop Pell's demands could trigger a new
national debate on whether taxpayers' money should fund his brand of
restricted education," Senator Brown said.

	Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603 


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Ebony Bennett
Media Adviser
Office of Greens Senator Bob Brown
Mobile: 0409 164 603
Ph: (02) 6277 3170
Fax: (02) 6277 3185
ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au