You do however, in a secular democracy though, listen to a recitation of the Lord's prayer before every sitting of parliament and a medieval homage to God.

And peanuts still say religion isn't intrusive in our day to day lives.

Here's what's read out before a parliamentary sitting each day. (Senate in this example but house of reps is exactly the same except for the "president" bit.)

http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Senate/Powers_practice_n_procedures/aso/so050

The President, on taking the chair each day, shall read the following prayer:

Almighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to vouchsafe Thy special blessing upon this Parliament, and that Thou wouldst be pleased to direct and prosper the work of Thy servants to the advancement of Thy glory, and to the true welfare of the people of Australia.

Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Tell me please, with a straight face, how this is even possible, firstly, in this day and age and secondly, in a secular government system which is separated from the church explicitly by the constitution?

The fact you didn't speak English when you arrived doesn't mean you'll never assimilate. My Dad, for example, couldn't speak a word of it when he came here in the 60s but if you met him now you'd think he was an ordinary Aussie.

Let people who can't speak the language come here and give them the chance to learn it and become productive members of society. Sure, some people will never learn it and will stick with their own, but that's a small minority. Besides, if your end aim is total assimilation then Australia would be a bloody boring society. Multiculturalism demands a degree of non-assimilation.

And if you don't think multiculturalism is a good thing then there's no point discussing it with you :lol:

Edited by JP: 21/6/2015 09:52:06 PM

Again there are plenty of greeks, italians, maco's at al who have been for over years and dont speak english. Why is the whole you dont speak english part being bought up now? ?

Yay, isn't non-assimilation great.

Hell my uncle is a dinky di aussie bloke and he mangles the english language :lol: the one thing I'll change is the swearing to god bit. Not everyone religious

This :lol:

same. My father In law barely speaks english and he got his citizenship in 2002. The speak english part is an issue now due to the oh muslims wont assimilate blah blah blah

Yeah, I don't think English is tooooo important.

:lol: I know old blokes who migrated here decades ago from Europe, got their citizenship and still can barely speak a word of english.

Apparently it's not too important a skill when your social group barely extends beyond the Veneto Club.

My grandmother became a citizen in 77 and she spoke no english

Agree with your first point, but I think speaking some level of English would be the most important requirement?

Queenslanders :roll:

People want a shitstorm and since no one is disagreeing with their point of view you've become the target. :)

No issue with the pledge.

But the citizenship test is a joke, immigrants shouldn't be forced to regurgitate random historical trivia or prove that they can speak English.

Not at all... I very clearly gave both versions from the start and asked people's thoughts :lol:
Haven't rammed opinions down people's throats or anything of that nature.

Loyalty, Democracy, respecting rights, liberties and laws.

While general, sounds like what anyone would ask for when people live in your home

Represent.

I have no issue with it. OP looking to start a shit storm thread.

are you still trying to convince the forum you're not a dummy or yourself?

I think it's only meant as a patriotic thing. Our basic tenants are that we are a democratic nation.

I said the second version (not being theistic) when I became a citizen like 10 years ago.

There are two versions.

You don't have to say the god part if you don't want to.

When new Australians get their citizenship.

When do we do this?

-PB

Using hyperbole as some sort of protest against political correctness. :lol:

Love your work =d>

Have no issue with it other than the god part.
Some people aren't religious so making them mention someone that probably isn't even real is a little odd.

sounds more than fair

not touchy
I'm just direct

dont mince words, screw PC

Not trolling or a commie :lol:
I merely read the pledge and wasn't sure what I thought of it, and had never heard. Discussion about it... So I brought up the topic.

Fuck me there's some touch people around here.

But great for producing promising/great football products.

Only for certain positions in the public sector, thank fuck.



Edited by melbourne_terrace: 19/6/2015 10:46:57 PM

No mention of the Queen? I thought people were required to pledge their allegiance to her as well.