NSW schools host religious education classes with different religions providing instruction at no charge. This is SRE, Special Religious Education, also known as "scripture". Many people don't want their children to attend these classes. Children still need to learn to think critically about their behaviour and how they relate to others. This makes them better prepared to engage positively to the real world. Parents know the outcomes they would prefer but don't necessarily have the skills or time to teach them. SRE is an option for some but if unsuitable, their children lose out.
The Education act of 1990 currently in force allows students to opt out of SRE with their parents' permission but excludes any meaningful alternative activities. They may include private study, but not timetabled lessons or scheduled school activities. For many the SRE time has become a child minding exercise. In some NSW schools more than 80% of students don't attend SRE. For these students SRE is unguided time that can be used wisely or wasted.
The existing Act requires that whatever options are offered, they should not be so radically different so as to take people away from SRE. In the last decade many parents in the P&C Associations have realised there was a growing gap and suggested a secular ethics based complement to SRE. With work from the independent St James Ethics Centre to develop an appropriate course, a majority of these parents voted in 2009 for an Ethics pilot to begin. As it is agreed by the religions that Ethics is a major component of their teachings, there should be no conflict between SRE and Ethics. See
"http://www.ethics.org.au/content/ethics-based-complement-to-scripture"
Sydney Atheists, reflecting the opinion of it's members, came to similar conclusions. Whilst we question "Why is religious instruction provided in secular state schools?" and "What is the right age to expose children to religious beliefs?", we acknowledge that the Ethics course would be of benefit to all; not just children of Atheists but to many others including those in religions not covered by SRE.
Since the trial began in April 2010, opposition from the Anglican church in particular has been very strong. Letter writing campaigns have been organised to the State Government requesting that they cancel the program. Whilst there will be inevitably be some loss of students attending their SRE classes and this reaction is not unexpected, it is now up to the public to demonstrate their commitment that the program continues. The State Government needs to see that in writing.
If you wish to do something to help, write to your local member, the Education Minister Verity Firth and the Premier, Kristina Keneally. There is also a website where comments can be made:
"http://www.reasonmakesadifference.net/campaigns/ethics-trial"
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