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❓ Mr Love questions the Education Minister on provisions for Muslim prayer rooms in schools and whether similar provisions would be made for Christian students. The Minister affirms support for religious observance in schools, ensuring no religion is prioritised.

AnsweredQoN 1156Legislative Assembly

Asked

6 August 2024

Member

Mr R.S. Love

Portfolio

Education

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the government's commitment to provide a free and secular education to WA students, and I ask : (a) Please detail what steps are being undertaken by school communities to meet the demand from Muslim students regarding prayer rooms, particularly during Ramadan; and (b) If such provision is or will be made for these students, will the Minister support the provision of prayer rooms for Christians who also attend these schools or any other school should the need arise?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

10 September 2024

Responded by

Minister for Education

Response time

6 days

(a) Young people attending Western Australian public schools need to feel that their culture, beliefs and backgrounds are understood and valued. This includes providing space and opportunity for young people to observe their religion in a safe and appropriately supervised way. School principals determine how such provision is made, consulting with their school community as necessary.
(b) Yes, public schools operate within a secular system of schooling where no religion or faith is prioritised or privileged over another.

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