News Archive from November and December 2004

17 December 2004: Vilification case decision

Judge Higgins has handed down his decision in the complaint brought by the Islamic Council against Catch the Fire Ministries, Pastor Danny Nalliah and Pastor Daniel Scot.

In his Summary of Reasons for Decision, Judge Higgins found that the two pastors breached the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act (Section 8) and had vilified Muslims. He also found that the exception for religious discussion (Section 11) did not apply because he believed that the conduct was not done 'reasonably and in good faith'.

In his summary Judge Higgins named statements said to be made by Pastor Scot at the seminar, and then concluded that Pastor Scot vilified. Many of these statements were direct references from the Qur'an.

Click here for the 'Summary of Reasons for Decision'.
A statement commenting on these will be available soon.

Many Christian groups and leaders have criticised the decision. The question is "Does TRUTH matter?"

The full 100 page decision will be posted soon on the VCAT website - click here .

For a FULL REPORT on the decision, our emails on the decision, statements from Christian groups, and media reports click here .

16 November 2004: Abortion in the news

During the past few weeks, there have been many articles and letters in the media about abortion. A number of Coalition MPs, led by Tony Abbott, have spoke about their concerns on this issue, whilst others have tried to defuse the issue. Some proposals for reform have included withdrawing Medicare funding for abortion, banning late-term abortion, informed consent and an inquiry into abortion.
At the first Liberal Party Cabinet meeting since the election, held on 15 Nov, the abortion debate was ‘hosed down’, with no changes likely to occur soon.
Abortion is a conscience issue, with all MPs allowed to vote as they wish. It is unlikely that any changes would be considered prior to the changeover of the Senate in July next year.
We need to be speaking to our MPs on this important issue...
Click here for The Age’s article commenting on the Liberal Cabinet meeting.

12 November 2004: Cross dressing concerns at US school
Parents at an Illinois school are complaining about a cross-dressing activity held during the school's "Spirit Week" leading up to homecoming. For the second year in a row, officials at the school are under fire for encouraging boys and girls to come to school attired as the other gender on an "opposite sex" dress-up day.
Click here for the full article.

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