[Greens-Media] NSW scripture classes review must check impacts and materials

[John Kaye]

NSW scripture classes review must check impacts and materials

Media release: 2 March 2014

The Greens are calling for the terms of reference of the O'Farrell
government's review of Special Religious Education in public education to
be broadened to assess the warning of experts that segregating children
according to religion is educationally unsound. It should also ensure that
NSW students are not exposed to inappropriate materials and messages that
have surfaced in Victorian scripture classes, according to Greens NSW MP
John Kaye.

('Warning on rise of school religion,' Sun Herald, 2 March, p. 16,
http://j.mp/ONVFPD)

The review has been established in response to a recommendation of a 2012
NSW Upper House inquiry into the ethics alternative to Special Religious
Education (http://j.mp/MEFmCD).

Dr Kaye said: "Serious concerns that scripture teaching is dividing public
schools and promoting completely inappropriate materials should be fully
examined.

 "The O'Farrell government should not allow itself to be bullied by
Christian Democrat MP Fred Nile and any threats to withdraw his cooperation
in the Upper House.

"This should be about the 748,000 students in public schools and what is
best for them, not deals cut behind closed doors to protect scripture
teaching from a full and comprehensive review.

"Religious volunteers in Victoria have been caught pushing materials that
offend the principles of an inclusive and tolerant society.

"Children should never be exposed to messages that encourage the hatred of
gays and lesbians, or excuse sexual assault.

"The O'Farrell government should ensure that its review investigates
scripture teaching in this state to make sure that these types of materials
are not turning up in NSW public schools.

"Two experts have raised serious concerns that segregating public school
students by religion leads to unnecessary divisions.

"Scripture has been taught in the NSW government system for more than 130
years.

"It is time for a comprehensive review that looks at the full range of
impacts on students and on the secular values of public education.

"General religious education, delivered by qualified professional teachers,
looks at all belief systems and assesses their impacts on the modern world.
It does not take sides and does not promote inappropriate values," Dr Kaye
said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455

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John Kaye
Greens NSW MP
phone: 0407 195 455
web: www.john.nsw.greens.org.au
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