Alternatives to religious studies are desperately needed for Australian school children, says Leslie Cannold in an article in the Sydney Morning Herald.

I know many people (friends, co-workers, family) who have succumbed to sending their children to religious schools despite being atheists, and having to suffer the inevitable dilemma of allowing their kids to attend indoctrinating ‘religious studies’ lessons or having the young ones stuffed into a corner for 45 minutes doing nothing.

Where are the alternatives? Why is it religious studies or nothing? Is it something that we’re expected to simply put up with if we choose a religious school for our child’s education? Leslie and a lot of Australia parents think not.

But in the long-term Karen, and others like her, must fight. Beat on the door of the Education Minister until she amends the department’s policy that prescribes suitable alternatives being provided for kids whose parents say no to scripture.

The full article can be found on the Sydney Morning Herald site.