Recognition of our Christian heritage in parliament

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Wendy Francis
53 Prospect Road
GAYTHORNE QLD 4051
Total Signatures - 6,164
Sponsoring Member: The Clerk of the Parliament
Posting Date: 10/12/2020
Closing Date: 31/1/2021
Tabled Date: 23/2/2021
Responded By: Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP on 25/3/2021
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that the practice of opening parliament, city and regional council meetings with a religious observance is a right and proper acknowledgement of Australia’s legal and cultural heritage which has been decisively shaped by a Christian ethos. This same ethos continues to foster our free and prosperous democracy. Our constitution opens with the words, “Humbly relying on the blessing of Almighty God”. The inclusion of religious observances is in recognition of the important role that Christianity has played in the development of our cultural heritage. Our Indigenous heritage is also rightly recognised. Australia was founded with the principle of separation of church and state but it was never intended to keep religious ideas, people or prayers out of public life. The inclusion of prayers in parliament has been proven to be constitutional. They should not be banned.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to allow the tradition of including religious observances in parliament and city and regional council meetings, such as the saying of a Christian prayer to continue and not order this to cease.