Anglican Bishop supports NSW Premier’s decision

The Anglican Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth, has congratulated the NSW Premier Mr Bob Carr, for his decision not to support a proposed religious vilification law introduced to the Upper House of the New South Wales Parliament. 

"This is a wise and common sense decision", Bishop Forsyth said, "which should be welcomed by people who love freedom of whatever religious practice - or none at all".

Bishop Forsyth said that although those who promote religious vilification laws have good intentions, in practice such laws are more of a threat to religious freedom than a help to it. 

"I believe that we should be a tolerant society in which people speak with courtesy and respect.  However it is not the job of the law to try to enforce such practice, especially when the suppression of free speech is the consequence " the bishop said.

He also said that every society should ensure the right of all individuals to enjoy freedom of religion, as well as the right to critique religion.
 
"We should be thankful that we have a Government in this state which is wiser than that in some of the other jurisdictions in other states," Bishop Forsyth said.

Contact:  Bishop Robert Forsyth, Bishop of South Sydney 0438 148 591