Page 581 - Week 02 - Thursday, 14 February 2013
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note that there are members of this place that observed Ash Wednesday yesterday. There was no commentary about that. There was no negativity about that. That was just—
Mr Doszpot: You are mentioning that now.
MS BURCH: I am saying that individuals are allowed to express their faith and freedoms as they like, Mr Doszpot. There is nothing in this motion that will hinder that. There is nothing in this motion that will take the morning reflection away, that will stop me as a member or as the Minister for Multicultural Affairs hosting a Diwali or a Ramadan event. You shake your head in despair, but there is nothing in this motion that will stop that. I will continue with great pride to host events for all elements and all sections of my community. Faith based, cultural based, gender based, it matters not, because they are part of our community.
As has been said, this motion does not stop people being involved in religious services; rather it continues the tradition of this Assembly being secular. Those opposite are seeking to create an environment where those who are supporting this motion are anti faith and discriminating against faith, and I find that incredibly distasteful. In fact I think it is almost a new low for the Canberra Liberals, in order to back the ill-informed judgement and activities of the Speaker, that they are now rallying around and slurring us in this most extreme way.
They say that there are people who support them. Yes, there are no doubt members of the community that supported your service on Monday, but there are also many in the community that did not. So by your own logic, are you asking that their voice not be heard? It is just extraordinary.
Members interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, members! Please do not engage in conversation across the chamber.
MS BURCH: There are members of our broader community that did not agree with Madam Speaker’s actions in hosting that church service.
Mr Doszpot: Read your motion.
MS BURCH: Mr Doszpot, the Attorney-General and the Chief Minister—
Mr Doszpot interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, please do not interject. I do not want a conversation across the chamber.
MS BURCH: It will not limit the activities of members in expressing their faith, in supporting members of our community in their faith. I think it is a very sad day that those opposite are seeking to paint those who are supporting this motion as being anti
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