Secular parents are calling on the state government to review religious instruction practices in public schools. 

In Queensland schools, one hour of religious instruction is provided to students by volunteers from religious groups each week if they are given consent from parents upon enrolment.

Non-participating students are given alternative instruction, like reading time or personal research, in a separate location.

Those in favour of scrapping the practice in public schools say it doesn’t align with modern Queensland and comes at the expense of students’ regular class work.

“I think religious instruction should have a place in an approved curriculum but if it’s used for educational purposes,” Bill McDonald said.

“I think it could be useful to teach students about different cultures, different religions, different beliefs in an educational sense, because that might help lead to a bit more tolerance, a bit more understanding.

“We’re a multicultural country now, let’s make it part of maybe an ethics subject rather than religious instruction.”

Press PLAY below to hear Bill’s comments in full 

Image: Getty