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Religious groups have written an open letter to Premier Daniel Andrews voicing their "strong and unequivocal opposition" to his controversial "Conversion Practices" Bill.

The open letter calls on the Andrews' government to suspend passage of the extreme legislation.

While we in no way support coercive and harmful practises that force someone to attempt to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, we are united in support of the human rights of any Victorian to have the freedom of choice to seek assistance to adhere to their religious convictions on matters of gender and sexuality.

The Bill legislates ideological constructs around sexual orientation and gender identity. The Bill, therefore, overreaches by imposing constraints on the individual freedom of choice, parental rights and responsibilities, and the ability for religious leaders to offer support, prayer, and resources to same sex attracted and gender dysphoric individuals seeking faith-based assistance to adhere to religiously sanctioned constructs of gender and sexuality.

The rushed nature with which this Bill was introduced and passed in the Legislative Assembly does not provide any assurances or clarity to a significant part of the various religious communities who lacked proper consultation in this process. While it was claimed that consultation with communities took place in 2019, through Engage Victoria, the few who were consulted noted that the survey used was biased in its construction. Additionally, the subsequent summary report compiled from this ‘consultation’ failed to report on the contrary materials that were presented to the survey.

The letter ends with the 31 religious groups calling for the Victorian government to suspend the passage of the Bill immediately, initiate a public enquiry and ensure all faith communities are properly consulted.

 Send a quick message to your MP urging them to reject the extreme "Conversion Practices" Bill.

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The honoured place of the Queen’s portrait in the Hobart City Council chamber will be diminished by accompanying artwork, argues FamilyVoice Australia.

“Hobart City Council yesterday voted to retain the portrait of the Queen’s portrait, but will symbolically marginalise Her Majesty, by cluttering the wall with artwork,” said FamilyVoice Australia spokesman David d'Lima.

“The additional artwork is likely to make for a very shabby scene,” he said.

FamilyVoice Australia recommends any additional artwork should be placed elsewhere in the chamber so the importance of the Queen is not undermined.

“It’s important to carefully acknowledge the Queen’s important constitutional role, such as appointing the State Governor of Tasmania along with the nation’s Governor-General, and approving the awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia,” David d'Lima said.

“Every State MP promises to serve the Queen of Australia, and since local government is a creation of the State, it is completely inappropriate for the Council to diminish the honour due to Her Majesty.”

Portraits of the Queen remind public officials to maintain constancy of purpose, with gracious behaviour, following the remarkable example set by Queen Elizabeth, who will soon reach 70 years of service, David d'Lima said.

“Instead of disrespecting the Queen, honourable councillors would better serve the City of Hobart by considering how best to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Accession Anniversary that is just over 12 months away.”

The Christian promises of service and devotion made by Queen Elizabeth, to whom Tasmanian MPs must pledge their allegiance (as do Australian military personnel and the federal police) are part of Australia’s constitutional arrangements and Christian heritage, that should never be disrespected.

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In a remarkably disrespectful proposal, the Hobart City Council may tonight consider repositioning the Queen’s portrait, to make room for a display of artwork.

Hobart City Council should not dishonour the Queen of Tasmania, but should continue to recognise her important constitutional role, such as appointing the State Governor of Tasmania along with the nation’s Governor-General, and approving the award of the Victoria Cross for Australia.

Every State MP promises to serve the Queen of Australia, and since local government is a creation of the State, it is completely inappropriate for the Council to consider removing the Monarch’s picture.

Portraits of the Queen also provide a helpful reminder that public officials do well to serve with constancy of purpose, and with gracious behaviour, following the remarkable example set by Queen Elizabeth.

Instead of disrespecting the Queen, honourable councillors would better serve the city of Hobart by considering how best to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Accession Anniversary that is just over 12 months away.

The extraordinary service and example set by Queen Elizabeth, as she approaches a remarkable 70 years as our sovereign, deserves honour and celebration.

 

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Tomorrow is Australia Day, 26 January. It marks the 233rd anniversary of British settlement on our shores.

It used to be just another summer public holiday. We could have a family barbie, go to the beach, or generally hang out with friends – waving our Aussie flags!

Local councils would hold citizenship ceremonies where those who had sought refuge in our wide brown land could declare their allegiance to our nation and its laws.

But in recent times there’s been a change.

Indigenous activists are calling it “Invasion Day”. They say we should wear black armbands instead of celebrating. Several local councils have said they no longer want to hold citizenship ceremonies on this “day of mourning”.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has gone further, cancelling Melbourne’s Australia Day parade indefinitely.

It can’t be because of COVID. As Bella d’Abrera noted on 19 January,

… in June last year, (Premier Andrews) allowed thousands of protesters to march through the streets of Melbourne for the Black Lives Matter movement. He allowed thousands of people to gather at the MCG to watch the Boxing Day Test. Andrews has even given permission for crowds mill around the streets of Melbourne for the Lunar New Year celebrations. And although he has well and truly canned the parade, he’s still letting Melbourne City Council hold an “Invasion Day” Dawn Service on January 26…

This shows that it was never about changing the date of Australia Day, it was about cancelling the celebration of Australia altogether.

So when I read a recent column by author and education adviser Dr Kevin Donnelly AM, it was like a breath of fresh air.

Below are some of his wise words:

The arrival of the First Fleet and the establishment of a British penal colony mark the beginning of European settlement and a time of dispossession and violence for Aboriginal people.

At the same time, it is vital to appreciate that, along with the 11 ships, 730 convicts and 250 free settlers that arrived in what is now Sydney, were two books that have underpinned Australia’s evolution from a convict settlement to one of the world’s leading liberal, democratic and free societies…

The second book that arrived with the First Fleet was the Bible. Central to the Bible is the belief that, as all are made in God’s image, all have the inherent right to life, liberty and freedom. Concepts like social justice and a commitment to the common good and the expression to love thy neighbour as thyself are biblical in origin…

Such was the force of Christianity when the First Fleet arrived and the penal colony established that the campaign in England undertaken by the Christian William Wilberforce eventually led to the abolition of slavery across the British Empire, including the colony of New South Wales

Such is the success of Australia’s story that, over the years, millions of people from around the world have migrated to these shores to find security and freedom and a peaceful way of life.

And whatever our background, that’s certainly worth celebrating!

Peter Downie - National Director

FamilyVoice Australia

 

 

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The quest to being heard on national media has been challenging. But our prayers are being answered.

FamilyVoice Australia now has a regular segment on the national radio program with Neil Johnson at Vision Christian radio. Each week Greg Bondar, spokesman for FamilyVoice, shares up to date issues on abortion, conversion therapy, euthanasia, religious freedom and a host of current ethical and moral research topics.

Greg’s Podcasts are now available each week. 

There is also a link to a playlist on their podcast platform which includes Greg’s weekly segments with Neil. This playlist will update automatically as new podcasts are uploaded each week.

 

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