Dear Foxy,

«All Australians are free to follow any religion they choose, so long as...»

In other words, you agree that religious freedom in Australia is conditional!

Yes, the right to not follow any religion is unconditional - what a lucky country, compared with Saudi Arabia where in addition... Everyone is free to follow any religion they choose, so long as they acknowledge Muhammad as the final and greatest prophet and follow his instructions without any criticism.

Yes, I agree that the conditions in Australia are less stringent then in Saudi Arabia, but still there is no way you could claim freedom of religion!

«if they are caught breaking the law - they will be held to account by the judicial system.»

At present they wouldn't be breaking any laws. To the best of what we know, even Ruddock did not recommend that they should be breaking any future legislation, so long as they informed all parents and teachers well in advance about their policies.

«That would constitute the crime of murder.»

Interesting, I didn't know that dead people can be charged in Australia!

«However, the government has not as yet made any decisions concerning the recommendations of the Ruddock Review.»

Exactly, so here we are discussing what their decisions ought to be - perhaps (can you believe it?) they are even reading our comments!

Yuyutsu,

We shall have to wait and see whether our government
decides that religious people and their institutions
need a different set of laws - that the rules in
their communities are different and therefore the
laws of the country should not apply to them.

Can't wait.

Dear Foxy,

I understand that we all are waiting eagerly for the verdict. For some perhaps, this verdict could be a matter of life or death, while others are merely curious and do not expect the verdict to have any significant impact on their personal life.

The question is, should we meanwhile just wait like sitting ducks, or are we also allowed to debate among ourselves the contents and moral implications of the proposed changes and consequently what the verdict ought to be, even while in practice we are totally helpless and our views and needs count for nothing in the eyes of politicians.

You started this thread, asking "What do posters of the forum think of this?": are you still interested in a debate, or just impatiently cannot wait for this thread to close down?

Yuyutsu,

I love nothing more than reasoned, intelligent
discussions.

When I feel that a discussion has run its
course - I always thank the contributors.
I don't feel that this is yet the case.
Thank You for your concern.

Hi Foxy,

At the core of this argument is to what extent should those that exercise power/authority over subservient's be able to use that power/authority to dictate to that person on matters which are not relevant to the circumstances which created their power/authority in the first place.
The notion that religious beliefs should give one a special exemption from what would be generally unacceptable behaviour is a total nonsense.

Good evening Paul,

People's beliefs are changing and no longer
automatically defer to traditional religious
positions. Fewer people live their lives in
accordance with these religious teachings. Some
religious groups are struggling to adjust to and
feel comfortable in their new, less influential
place in a changed world.