Comments on: Atheists Too Hot to Handle for Victorian Government

By: Victorian Government Refuses Funding for Atheist Convention in Melbourne « Atheist Climber

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:49:56 +0000

[...] See article posted at the convention’s website Atheists Too Hot to Handle for Victorian Government. [...]

By: Frank Li

Frank Li — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:42:18 +0000

This is so appropriate because the Victorian government is the same as the State of England during the Victorian Era, conservative and fanatically religious. One has to ask, why is the government publicly supporting a fascist convention and not a liberal one, could it be that the government is overrun with religious lunatics (rhetorical question)?

By: Ben Finney

Ben Finney — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:23:11 +0000

> "One has to ask," says Nicholls, "how you can confirm 1,000 ticket sales before having a venue secured."

I would guess the simplest effective way would be to assert it confidently, in a fatherly voice, while wearing clerical robes of a mainstream religion. Actual ticket sales would be entirely optional.

By: Ben Finney

Ben Finney — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:15:51 +0000

> While I'm not an Athiest myself I think it's a great idea to host the AFA in Melbourne.

Thank you for saying this. Open-minded discussion of people's views is exactly what is needed, and one certainly need not be an atheist to value this discourse.

> I will happily buy a ticket and go myself even if its just to listen to the views of intelligent and respected people.

Please do, I'm sure you'll be welcome and find it a very stimulating experience. Not to mention a great social event!

By: Jim McDonald

Jim McDonald — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:01:20 +0000

Rudd's failure to open the conference and Government rejection of funding in the context of funding a conference of religious groups has serious implications for the separation of church and state. Both the Victorian and Federal governments choose to support theist groups and marginalise an international non-theist convention.

Is there now a requirement that organisations must have religious affiliations for funding support? Is the next step that individuals who receive support must belong to a church or a sect and subscribe to theist beliefs before receiving assistance?

Many historical and contemporary examples of repression based on religion come to mind. Where do Federal Labour, the conservative parties and the State intend to lead the Australian body politic when they cut out non-theists? What is the basis of treating atheists any differently from religious groups? Are we seeing the beginning of the demise of the democratic principles that breed tolerance and diversity

By: Nigel Henning

Nigel Henning — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 01:59:19 +0000

While I'm not an Athiest myself I think it's a great idea to host the AFA in Melbourne. Some (hopefully) would say that we are a free thinking city and welcome other points of view.

I will happily buy a ticket and go myself even if its just to listen to the views of intelligent and respected people.

By: susa

susa — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:50:15 +0000

nice that you have activity, just try to be friendly..

By: Quintin Phillips

Quintin Phillips — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:05:21 +0000

The reason World’s Religions need to be subsidised , with tax moneys they have not contributed to, is because they are begging organisations made up of professional beggars. They have grown from prophets and fortune tellers from past eons and have made a good living selling fresh air.
Atheist on the other hand have Jobs and pay taxes so don't need Government funding with tax money they Have contributed to.