Secular Party – Abbott: Proudly Ignoring the Constitution

MEDIA RELEASE
14 August 2010
Abbott: Proudly Ignoring the Constitution
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has recently suggested that Bible
study should be compulsory in public schools. “I think it would be
impossible to have a good general education without at least some
serious familiarity with the Bible and with the teachings of
Christianity,” Mr Abbott said.
Jeff Keogh, Senate Candidate for Tasmania for the Secular Party
of Australia, said in response, “Mr Abbott is either unaware or
unconcerned that any moves to teach a religious text in statefunded
schools is expressly forbidden by the Australian
Constitution.
“It would be an outrage to force the teachings of any particular
religion onto schoolchildren of many different faiths, and in fact
illegal to do so with the public purse.
“Quite probably Mr Abbott has read section 116 of the
Constitution, which forbids governmental promotion of religion.
However it seems quite apparent that he holds the Australian
Constitution in low regard.
“Only the Secular Party of Australia stands to protect the
Australian public against the sneaky and unscrupulous attempts of
certain politicians to undermine freedom of religion in this
country,” Mr Keogh added.
A new player in Federal politics, the Secular Party of Australia was
formed by a group of concerned Australians in response to the
increasing influence of religion in government, and the growing
interference of government in religion. The party is fielding 31
candidates in the Federal election, including Senate Candidates in
every state and 19 Candidates for the House of Representatives.
Standing in Tasmania for the Secular Party are Jeff Keogh and Jinoh
Choi in the Senate, and Lucas Noyes in Lyons for the House of
Representatives.
For further information please visit www.secular.org.au.
Jeff Keogh Dr John Perkins
Senate Candidate for Tasmania Senate Candidate for Victoria
0438 018 884 President, Secular Party