Legal challenge to religion in NZ schools

[Wertbag]

While New Zealand is a secular nation there exists a legal loophole that allows the teaching of Christianity in schools. Of course they target the youngest running classes for 5-6 year olds.

There are currently ~600 schools with bible classes taught by 2500 volunteers.

The students are automatically signed up and have to opt out if they want to avoid this class. Due to a lack of resources kids that opt out are often just stuck in a room or even given chores, so are punished if they don't attend.

The people running these bible classes do not have formal education qualifications and have no reviews on what or how they teach.

The Secular Network has now lodged a case with the human rights commission to get the legal loophole closed and make religious study only happen outside of school hours.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/330040/religious-education-teaching-that-'christianity-is-superior'

I believe the same case was already won in other Western nations, so I hold great hope we will go the same way. Due to the slow nature of such proceedings it could be months before the first hearing.