The federal government should cut all funding for any school that won't let parents pull their children out of sex- or gender-related classes, former prime minister John Howard has urged.
The Coalition elder has told the review into religious freedom - run by his long-time cabinet minister Philip Ruddock - federal funding should be used to coerce public and private schools into respecting parental preferences.
"Speaking practically, the preferable approach would be for the Commonwealth government to make it a condition of funding for both government and non-government schools that parental rights of this kind be respected," Mr Howard wrote.
He said it would be difficult for the federal government to pass a law of this kind "without invoking some international covenant" - though that should not be ruled out.
During the postal survey campaign, opponents of same-sex marriage argued it would lead to the proliferation of "radical" gay and transgender sex education at schools. Some conservative MPs unsuccessfully tried to amend the same-sex marriage bill to guarantee the right of parents to withdraw their children from classes or programs involving material contrary to their values.
This could include programs similar to the controversial Safe Schools initiative, or sex education in the curriculum that acknowledges the existence of homosexual sex or transgender people.
In his submission, Mr Howard noted the states control school curricula and said the issue of parental rights remained a "genuine concern". He described his approach as "bare bones" and expressed support for stronger moves to protect religious freedom, but conceded the numbers in Parliament made that difficult.
A number of religious organisations also called for parents' rights to be bolstered. Associated Christian Schools told the Ruddock review parents feared changes to the curriculum would "expose their children to views on marriage and sexuality that are contrary to the traditional views held by the family".
Britain has moved to make sex education compulsory in secondary schools, but with flexibility for faith-based schools to teach in line with their beliefs. Parents can also withdraw their children from such lessons.
Mr Ruddock is due to hand the review to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull by the end of this week, having received about 16,500 submissions and published 3000. Mr Howard's contribution was among a number accepted by the panel after the closing date.
The panel, which also includes Australian Human Rights Commission boss Rosalind Croucher and Jesuit priest Frank Brennan, met on Monday to finalise the report. It is understood the panel will make at least 20 recommendations, including reforms that would require co-operation from the states and territories.
Mr Ruddock said he "greatly valued" Mr Howard's submission and it was given due consideration. Mr Howard was contacted for comment.
Education Minister Simon Birmingham said: “I welcome all contributions to the review and I look forward to its report.”
What a bunch of wankers!!!!
152000 views!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment