Australian MP Tells Religious MPs to Butt Out

Deal Hudson

The Pell story is beginning to sound like a replay of the Shiavo episode in the U. S. 

The contempt charge against Cardinal Pell is being championed by a Green MP, Ms. Lee Rhiannon, the one who descried the Cardinal's lack of "remorse."

But Rhiannon has had more to say about the unwelcome presence of religion in politics: "I am concerned about the presence on the privileges committee [which will consider the contempt charge against Pell] of Rev. Fred Nile and Christian Right Labor MP Greg Donnelly, who made tribute during his inaugural speech to 'an extraordinary person, Pope John Paul II and Senator Brian Harradine.'"

In other words, Ms. Rhiannon is telling conservative Christians to butt out.  Her exact words are, " I urge both Rev. Nile and Mr. Donnelly to leave their religious beliefs at home when they examine this matter."

Hey, Ms. Rhiannon, if you want some legislators who leave their religious beliefs at home I can recommend at least a baker's dozen from the Catholics in the U. S. Congress....and we all know who they are.