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Christian advocacy group FamilyVoice Australia has rejected the Queensland government’s proposal to further restrict the right of faith-based schools to operate in accord with biblical Christian teaching.
“It’s time for government to mind its own business and let parents and churches get on with educating young hearts and minds, upholding faith principles, especially about sexuality,” said FamilyVoice gender spokesman David d’Lima
“We reject the view that subjects such as maths and science do not involve faith and can somehow be taught irrespective of the sexual behaviour and identify of staff,” he said.
“Teachers all know how deep questions about anything can arise in any lesson – not just Scripture classes.”
FamilyVoice Australia is urging recognition that students often model their own values after teachers they admire.
“The beliefs and identity of the teacher cannot be separated from the classroom, especially in small communities where children may run into their teachers at the local supermarket.”
According to FamilyVoice Australia, the interaction of children and parents with the school’s non-teaching personnel must warrant a unified understanding of sexuality.
“Even the groundsman may find himself called upon by an upset child to offer sympathy or encouragement,” David d’Lima said.
“Parents should be allowed to have confidence in the integrity of the entire school staff, and if government requires all them to undergo child protection training and checking, it should not deny a similar approach by any school seeking to ensure the integrity of its foundational faith.”