Fred Nile says The Greens party could seize the balance of power and threaten the freedom of Christians in NSW.
The Rev Fred Nile has expressed fears that the upcoming state election could hand the balance of power in NSW Parliament to The Greens, who he says would use their position to "blackmail the government' and advance an "anti-Christian agenda'.
Partly in response to the challenge from The Greens, the Christian Democratic Party (CDP) is increasing its focus on the environment to attract Christians concerned about climate change issues.
Mr Nile, head of the CDP, believes it is almost certain that either The Greens or the CDP will hold the balance of power in the Upper House after the March 24 election. With half of NSW's 42 senators up for re-election, it is mathematically impossible for either major party to gain a majority in the Upper House.
Mr Nile, who is up for re-election, says this makes the Senate race vital for the future of NSW.
"If the Greens increase their number, they will ruthlessly use their position to blackmail the government," Mr Nile told SC. "They will say, "We will pass your bills, but you must vote for our bills'. The government will have no choice."
Mr Nile described the Greens' platform as "anti-Christian' and said it would include items such as restricting Christian freedom of speech through vilification laws, support for euthanasia and same-sex marriages, removing Scripture in government schools, and forcing Christian schools to employ practicing homosexuals.
He added that the CDP has worked to defeat Greens' bills and policies over the last four years.
But Greens' MP Lee Rhiannon " also facing re-election " claimed the CDP "spreads misinformation about our party'.
"The Greens MPs, like MPs from the [CDP], will put forward private members' bills that, if passed, would implement their party's policies on key issues," Ms Rhiannon said. "The Greens cannot force any MPs to vote for legislation or motions that we put forward in parliament."
Ms Rhiannon also urged Christians "to check out what the Greens actually stand for'. "We are opposed to discrimination against all people, including gays and lesbians," she said. "This is in keeping with our commitment to social justice which we believe most Christians share with us."
With climate change looming as a key issue, CDP state director Phil Lamb said the issue is "a top priority' for the party.
Mr Lamb said CDP policies include a 50 per cent subsidy for solar panel installation for homes, phasing out greenhouse pollution emissions from coal-fired power houses, and installing solar panels on all schools and factories. It also supports signing the Kyoto Protocol.
To address the state's water shortage, Mr Lamb said the party proposes building a major new dam, a 50 per cent subsidy for homes installing water tanks, and compensation for farmers with reduced water allocations.
But while the CDP is focusing heavily on once-Green-dominated environmental issues, Mr Lamb emphasised the enormous differences in approach.
"The Greens have a particular philosophy: they worship the creation," he said. "We worship the God who made the creation, and therefore we want to be responsible stewards."
Mr Lamb said Christians needed to be better informed about the real philosophy behind The Greens' policies.
"They have openly acknowledged in parliament that they are a pagan party," he said. "This is known in parliament, but not in the community. They want to appear mainstream, but they are actually quite extreme and excessive in their values."
Mr Lamb said a Green balance of power could ultimately threaten the personal freedom of Christians in NSW.
