ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Reilgious group wants inclusion in legal challenge

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Thu, 21 May 2015, 11:35AM
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images

Reilgious group wants inclusion in legal challenge

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Thu, 21 May 2015, 11:35AM

A Christian education group says it would be "unjust" if it weren't allowed to argue its points in a judicial review of religious instruction in state schools.

Jeff McClintock, an Auckland father whose daughter was "stigmatised" and "humiliated" when she was opted out of a Bible class at Red Beach school, is taking action.

He wants Section 78 of the Education Act, which allows for religious classes in otherwise secular schools, removed from the law.

The Churches Education Commission, which provides courses to 667 schools, argued at the High Court in Auckland today that the autonomy of school boards would be at stake.

It also argued that the CEC is best placed to tell the court about how religious education is practised in New Zealand.

McClintock's lawyer Richard Francois argued against the CEC by saying they were promoting "inculcation" and their classes were "doctrinal."

Francois said the CEC syllabus was "secretive" compared to the Ministry of Education syllabus.

He also argued that some kids' education was at risk if schools taught religious instruction instead of regular curriculum classes.

The judge's decision was reserved.

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you