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.