Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our Publishing Guidelines.
Dear Editor,
I have followed the saga of the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ reviewing of Census questions. I am appalled that the religion question will, for the next Census in 2026, remain the same as it was previously – ‘What is the person’s religion?’
I had inferred from ABS reports during the public consultation period that the ABS pretty much expected the proposed question, ‘Do you have a religion?', would go ahead, given that the ABS had highlighted the bias in the existing question. The final decision is, therefore, a complete about-face.
The number of people, including myself, who have no religion is increasing hugely and we appear to have been treated like political footballs.
The excuse in the information on the ABS website reads like an exercise in impenetrable contortion. Clearly, there has been political pressure and a subjugation to a few voices from religious institutions.
This decision demeans the credibility of the ABS as an impartial data collector.
Yvonne Patterson
Palestinian supporters denigrated for political purposes
Dear Editor,
Antisemitic acts of vandalism in recent months across Australia – and especially in Sydney – have, rightfully, caused consternation in Jewish communities.
However, there has been increasing politicisation of these events, with assertions that Prime Minister Anthony Alba...
Blog
Tags:
Related Posts
03
Apr
A veteran’s view of Anzac Day
NOTE: This article discusses suicide. If you are a veteran or someone in need of support, you can find appropriate support services ...
31
Mar
Support for scripture program highlights bias of politicians
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...
05
Jan
The trouble with ‘Islamophobia’
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...
06
Dec
The Jacaranda bloom-bust parallels life
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...
10
Nov
Recognising the right to have no religious belief
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...
03
Oct
Agnosticism the ‘only rational choice’
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...
29
Sep
The ‘new’ antisemitism conflates criticism of Israel with prejudice against Jews
Since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel nearly a year ago, and the subsequent ongoing war on Gaza, there have been widespread claim...
07
Sep
Charity for the rich
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...
07
Aug
When all meaning is thrown overboard
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...
05
Jul
Do religious schools still have a place in modern society?
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...
09
Jun
The Catholic Church’s fight to keep ‘cultural Catholics’ at Census time
The next Census in 2026 will likely be a watershed moment for our nation, with the proportion of Australians identifying as not religio...
03
Jun
Are renewable energy projects destroying our environment?
Editor’s note: If you would like to submit a letter for possible publication, please email it to editor@rationalist.com.au. See our ...