The Bible is engraved in our culture; in our parliamentary prayers, speeches and even on the floors of our parliament. It is engraved on the headstones of our forebears and finds its way into our common language. Even the irreligious among us know the Golden Rule and what it means to bear our cross. But for those who reject its core message, there is freedom to do so and our parliament doesn’t insist on respect of the Bible or its message for elected representatives; it accommodates difference with an option of affirmation. That’s Australian culture and it has produced a freer, happier democracy than is evidenced in many other cultures. What it has produced, freedom of conscience, belief, association and equality before the law is why people come here. With all the cultural sensitivity being promoted in Australia, have the people’s elected representatives ever considered that a little sensitivity towards Australian culture may be warranted? While the Bible or affirmation have been used as validation for commitment to the rule of law and serving Australians, the Quran is the source of Islamic sharia law; something that has produced very different outcomes in societies plagued by human rights abuse and totalitarianism. Perhaps Australians who desire to see a commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law are not racist in their expectation that elected representatives uphold the options given in recognition of Australian culture. Or will we soon see people sworn in with the Kama Sutra, Tipitaka, Rig-Veda, or the Zend-Avesta?
Posted on: Wed, 03 Jul 2013 04:34:32 +0000
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