Focus on the Family was recently banned from ACT schools on the basis of an untested allegation from one parent that the group vilified homosexuals. The ACT Education Department suspended the Performance in Schools program that included a ''No Apologies Impact'' seminar. But Christian lobbyists rallied to the cause, saying the bans were ''political correctness gone mad''. Focus on the Family had been accused of demonising homosexuality, painting it in the same light as bestiality and giving religious education without parental permission.
ACT Education Minister Andrew Barr labelled Focus on the Family a "fringe organisation" with "extreme views" after allegations that the seminars vilified homosexuals and told girls they shouldn't put their hair up. After a short investigation following protests from the Christian community the allegations were subsequently found to have no basis in reality and the ban on Focus on the Family was quietly withdrawn. The ''No Apologies Impact'' seminar as a program authorised by the NSW Department of Education as part of its Performance in Schools program.
Focus on the Family is not a “fringe organisation”, but rather a mainstream evangelical Christian organisation with support among a wide range of churches. It has been hosting the seminars in many parts of Australia and has run them in the ACT for the past two years without complaint until now.
Society
ACT Govt bans Christian group then reverses decision
APN
Friday, 11 December 2009, 13:05 (EST)
More articles
Advertisement
Top Stories
- Coptic Christian nominated for 2012 Nobel Peace Prize for work in Cairo
- Service commemorates bicentenary of Charles Dickens's birth
- Thousands of Fijian families receives Bibles, after being introduced to Jesus through Operation Christmas Child
- Anglicans and Orthodox Churches formalise ecumenical relationship
- Bob Marley was Christian long before death, said to have Called upon Jesus on his deathbed
MOST POPULAR
Society Headline
