BRISBANE, July 27 – A recent review of religious instruction in Queensland schools recommended principals step in if they see children trying to convert fellow students to Christianity.
Queensland Education Minister Kate Jones denies there has been any change to religious instruction policy in the state’s schools, despite reports of an edict against students “evangelising” to others.
“While not explicitly prohibited by the (legislation), nor referenced in the Religious Instruction (RI) policy, the department expects schools to take appropriate action if aware that students participating in RI are evangelising to students who do not,” the department’s report reads.
Jones said there was nothing new about the policy, and the Palaszczuk government supported religious instruction in state schools in consultation with parents.
“No one is telling a child what they can and can’t say in the playground,” Jones said in a statement.
“Principals continue to be responsible for approving the programs of RI in their local school and work closely with parents in their local community to ensure the religious instruction taught in their schools meets legislation and departmental policy.”
Opposition leader Tim Nicholls expressed his displeasure via social media, tweeting “This is bonkers. What’s next, banning Easter eggs? (kate jones qld please) intervene on this Nanny State rubbish.”