Secularism(s) and the place of religious schools

Introduction Government funding of religious schools has become more controversial as Australia has become more secular. This tension is particularly acute when religious schools ‘discriminate’ for religious reasons. This presentation argues that Australia should continue to fund religious schools, even if they discriminate: - Overviews theoretical and legal frameworks - Considers principled reasons – promotion of diversity and choice - ‘Secular’ is not neutral – pluralism recognises this diversity - Pragmatic reason – government schools would be overwhelme