BOTH sides of Parliament have welcomed suggestions for religious education to be taught more extensively in government schools.
Tasmanian Council of State School Parents and Friends Associations president Richard Pickup announced on Wednesday that the organisation would consider a draft policy on the matter at its annual conference on August 21.
There are provisions in the Education Act that allow for religious instruction in schools, and the Education Department has formed a committee to discuss guidelines for the external delivery of a religious education program.
Mr Pickup said the parents and friends council did not have a policy specifically relating to the matter, and the motion would clarify the group's position.
"As it is, it really means religious instruction in a particular religion," he said. "And this can cause problems."
Under the council's draft policy, religious instruction would focus on teaching the history of many different religions for the purpose of highlighting diversity, rather than "preaching" to students.
"We're trying to draw whatever boundaries we can," Mr Pickup said.
The draft policy is still open for discussion and public input is encouraged.
Education Minister Paula Wriedt supported the draft policy's holistic approach.
"That is certainly in line with the philosophy the Government has," she said.
"It should be an opportunity for students to understand that there are many religions and that would naturally embrace the more diverse community that we have these days."
Opposition education spokesman Peter Gutwein also applauded the draft policy, saying that teaching about religion, its history and its various forms was an important part of instilling values of tolerance and understanding in our youth.
"No one is suggesting that any particular religion should be forced upon our children, as we are a multicultural society and our education system should reflect that," he said.
"But to use this form of political correctness as a reason for having no religious instruction at all does not serve the best interests of our children and does not promote a balanced and rounded education."
Australian Education Union Tasmanian president Jean Walker also said the guidelines were satisfactory from the union's point of view.
Greens education spokesman Tim Morris gave his support to the proposal, but cautioned that implementing a multi-church approach to religious education would need to be managed carefully to avoid going to the extreme of stopping children experiencing some religious practices such as singing Christmas carols or psalms.
He also said the requirement that religious instructors be registered teachers might restrict schools' abilities to provide a breadth of instruction.