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Freedom From Religion

September 2nd 2003 - Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, has expressed his support for Green MLC, Ms Lee Rhiannon’s attempt to remove the Lords Prayer from the beginning of Parliamentary Business.

“I believe that people should follow the faith they choose free from discrimination and persecution. But more importantly, I believe in the separation of church and state!” he said.

“I have had Motion on Notice for the past 2 years that this House reaffirms the separation of Church and State and I feel that this is the wider issue that still needs to be debated.”

“The Lords Prayer imposes the Anglican faith on the elected representatives who should represent the wider scope of our multicultural community.”

“I want freedom from religion in public policy. That is why I will support any attempt to remove the Lords Prayer at the beginning of Parliamentary business. A moment to pause and reflect on the duty we have to the people of NSW would be much more appropriate!” Dr Chesterfield-Evans concluded.