Freedom of Religion
THE Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Dennis Hart, is right to characterise the seal of the confessional as a part of the right to freedom of religion. However that right, along with all over freedoms we recognise as human rights, have never been considered absolute. That is they are always to be exercised in balance to the human rights of others.
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The rights of children, young people, vulnerable people, and any person for that matter, to safety and protection from abuse of any kind and to life itself are also important and recognised within moral theology as well as more widely. Where these more basic human rights to safety and life itself are in conflict with freedom of religion, that freedom of religion is curtailed and does not apply.
Archbishop Hart is fundamentally wrong to say that the seal of the confessional should be respected even in cases where child abuse is revealed. This is simply because a child's right to safety is more important than anyone's right to freedom of religion where these two conflict.
Brad Taylor, Evandale.
Christmas in shops
I THOUGHT I was seeing things when I saw a shop window all decorated for Christmas and a huge banner wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.
These were put up in the first week in August. That is verging on the ridiculous, it is still four months away. There is still a term and a half of school yet to go. This shop used to put the decorations up in September and that was bad enough, but August? No wonder people are tired of hearing about it by the time it gets here. It certainly takes the enjoyment out of Christmas.
How do you tell your children it is still four months away? I really think this shop is being irresponsible. If that is not commercialism at its best, or worst, I don't know what is. Their thoughts are certainly not with what Christmas stands for, it is how much they can put in the till.
Shirley Lee, Prospect.
Footy Entertainment
FOLLOWING the total lack of atmosphere at the Tasmania State League’s Clarence vs North Launceston clash, I was blown away by the turn-around at UTAS stadium with the Hawks and North Melbourne AFL game. Not only did we have a working PA, we also had the club songs and live entertainment complete with fireworks. I hope that from now on, AFL Tasmania will work to improve the entertainment and atmosphere at TSL games. If so, I will certainly be attending on a more regular basis.
Philip Crowden, Riverside
Politics
I REALLY can't understand how a poll can reflect the Liberal party struggling at the next election. It's the best government we have had for many years. Remember the Labor-Green accord, what a disaster. We had massive debt, no business confidence whatsoever, the forest industry ruined, health and education was in a mess and the sick and elderly were facing Lara's electric chair.
Both Labor and the Greens share the same policies and mindset. If it's unborn abort it, if it's a business destroy it, if it’s progress stifle it, if it's gay marry it, if it's old or sick euthanise it, and finally if it’s a tree then save It. Thank you Will Hodgman and your team for the good work and the progress that you have all achieved for Tasmania. I urge all Tasmanians to remember the past and to think deeply at the next election.
Stephen Thompson, Relbia.
Distraction
OUR federal government is doing a grand job with the marriage equality issue. It's a great distraction from major issues such as the refugee issue and climate change - both of which will, and have had, major effects on individuals health and well-being.
