Ethics not good for kids, say Libs

When the Coalition defeats Labor at the state election next March, NSW will be run by a government heavily influenced by far right Christians personified by MLC David Clarke.

While a conscience vote was agreed to on same-sex adoption, which Mr Clarke vehemently opposed, it seems the payback is already in with Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell opposing Ethics classes in schools.

On Stateline last Friday Quentin Dempster asked would he commit to secular Ethics classes.

“I don’t favour Ethics classes being an alternative to Special Religious Education (SRE) classes,” he said.

“Why not?”

“We have an Act and we have a system where SRE classes have been part of the system… the practice has been there from the start.”

Clearly Mr O’Farrell could not provide a reasoned answer – by the logic of this one we should all be riding penny farthings and wearing bustles simply because people once did.

While Mr O’Farrell is not renowned as a verbal gymnast, this answer has lead to speculation he is fronting a party payback agreement.

Greens MLC John Kaye thinks so.

“Having voted for the same sex adoption legislation, Barry O’Farrell is now trying to appease the religious right in his party by refusing to commit to the ethics classes as alternatives for students who opt out of scripture classes in public schools,” he said.

“On behalf of the conservative organised religions, Upper House Liberal MP David Clarke has led a campaign of vilification against the ethics option.

“Parents have already reported overwhelming support for the ethics options with almost 70 P&Cs voting in favour of making the trial permanent.

“They want children who opt out of the one hour a week Special Religious Education class to be given an alternative to being let loose in the playground or watching videos.

“The Greens call on all parties to abide by the outcomes Dr Sue Knight’s evaluation of the trial.”

A 10-week trial of the Ethics program was held this year at 10 schools. Locally the classes were held at Darlinghurst and Crown Street Public Schools.

David Hill, spokesman for the group Parents4ethics, said: “Mr O’Farrrell must answer to the parents of 100,000 children who opt out of scripture classes each week and for him to respond to the 75 P&C Associations which, in the last two months, have voted to support the introduction of ethics classes.

“P&Cs across the state have voted either unanimously or overwhelmingly in favour of the introduction of ethics classes, and I call upon all political leaders to listen to what parents want for their children,” he said.

Mr Hill says ethics classes, where children discuss fairness, lying and the importance of always telling the truth, is a far more attractive option that the current situation where those who don’t go to religion are forced to watch videos, sit in the library or find some other way to occupy themselves.

Both the Catholic and Anglican hierachies in Sydney oppose the ethics programs, fearful of losing yet more of a declining support base.

by Michael Gormly