I just received a link to this article from my sister, and have to admit I’m kind of shocked that this is even an issue (I actually thought they weren’t encouraging religious propaganda in public schools any more, especially not in a way that disadvantaged the religiously unaffiliated).

Did you know that children whose parents make a conscientious decision to have them opt out of Special Religious Education (SRE) are prohibited from any form of instruction during this period? NSW Department of Education policy provides for the supervision of these children but specifies they are not to have access to ‘ethics, values, civics or general religious education.’

Not surprisingly, many view the existing policy as socially and psychologically unjust – all students are entitled to meaningful instruction, ethical exploration and the associated benefits.

Based on mounting community interest and support, St James Ethics Centre, has proposed a pilot project (PDF) to test the concept of offering an ethics-based complement to scripture. The proposal awaits the approval of the Hon Verity Firth, NSW Minister of Education and Training.

It’s such an underhanded trick to push religion like this; pretending that you are offering a choice when the choice is between talking about Jesus and doing nothing.

Sign the petition encouraging Minister Firth to say yes!