Progressive Atheists Inc.

Elida Radig and Andrew Rawlings went to Canberra in support of the challenge to the National School Chaplaincy Program in the High court of Australia: the controversial program funded by taxpayers to pay chaplains, predominantly Christian, to hang about in schools. Here, Elida reports to us her experience in what maybe the most important court case to give our children the right not to be indoctrinated in school.

We just came back from our trip to Canberra in support of Ron Williams' challenge to the National School Chaplaincy Program in the High Court of Australia. What an interesting experience! Very intensive time! At the end of the three days, we were all tired, including the Justices. They looked tired to me.

Not since the G20 Case, I have seen so many lawyers in the same room at the same time. With their wigs and long black garments and with so many assistants around them, the Justices, solicitors, barristers and QCs set the scene. When the Justices' assistants moved the chairs from the large desk to allow the Justices to sit and the Court Crier, in his stronger voice, said “be quiet and stand up”, we, the public, knew that something important was about to happen.

We hear the signal and the seven Justices entered the big room, one following the other in a straight line. They bowed to us and we bowed back to them. Actually I don't know if they bowed to us the public or to the solicitors. Anyhow, we bowed back.

Although there were amplifiers at the back of the public benches, there were some solicitors that we could hardly hear. Some just whisper or seem to talk to themselves. I saw many people of the public putting their ears close to the bench amplifiers in order to follow the presentation. Every time the speaking solicitor mentioned a particular section or paragraph or even a word in a page, the Justices' assistants were quick on their feet giving the Justices the referred book open on the correct page.

Slowly, such a big room became hot and stuffy. The smell of papers, old books combined with perfumes and so many body odours were taking its toll and the air was heavy. Some people started to close their eyes. It was time for a recess. When the Court Crier announced the lunch break, we eagerly went out to the fresh air of Canberra.

For a lunch break, we went to the only Café close by. We quickly learned that for a sandwich and a coffee we have to pay with a $20 note! We didn't dare to eat much more! At this stage I will like to tell you about our “PROUDLY ATHEISTS” windcheaters.

On arrival to the Court, there were many members of the media outside. Cameras were focusing on us and reporters were asking questions and requesting time for interviews with us. In the foyer, we were among people that we knew. There was a priest in his full length garment. Our “PROUDLY ATHEISTS” windcheaters were attracting attention from everybody. As you know, we wear it with dignity, responsibility and conscience of the positive message of being proud to be Atheists. The reporter from Channel 10 was asking questions to Andrew and me and her cameraman lens was on the two of us.

We know the subject of the Chaplaincy School Program very well because this program was initiated in Victoria and presented to the then Primer Minister by our local Member of Parliament. We have followed this program from day one. Both of us have the experience on talking to the media. The two of us, are former Councillors and had to speak to the media in issues concerning our respective councils and our campaigns on many occasions.

Also by interviewing at our broadcasting work at 3RPP on the ‘Atheist Age' radio program and ‘Free Waves' Feminist program. We answered her questions as that we live and work in Victoria, that we are members of the Progressive Atheists Inc. organisation and that we were wearing the windcheater adopted by the Australian Atheist Choir as their uniform when singing in public and that we were there to support Ron Williams in his Court challenge case.

When the interview with Channel 10 finished and we were walking toward the foyer, we were approached by the reporter of the 7.30 Report for an interview. We did agree to meet her next day at 10am outside the Court. Inside the Court our windcheaters became an issue. According to the officials in charge of the public, our windcheaters “…COULD INFLUENCE THE JUSTICES” and we were requested to take it off at entering the Court room. (We could wear it on the foyer).

We pointed out that the priest was wearing a full uniform and that it also could “influence” the Justices. We were explained that the priest uniform didn't have any writing. Our uniform did. That was the difference. The priest could sit at the front row with his full uniform but we have to take our uniform at the door.

So it became a ritual every day: at the door we gave our phones and cameras to the officers and took off our windcheaters (so not to influence anybody) and when we came out of the court room, we put on our windcheaters again in the foyer. Of course, every body was interested in our ritual of “undressing and dressing”, including the priest whose name was Peter from the Anglican religion from Perth. Actually I found him very friendly and understanding of the ‘double standard' situation. We took a photo of the two of us wearing our uniforms. (I promised to send him a copy).

After the court, we went with Ron Williams and the group from Queensland and NSW to have dinner at the Canberra Club. It is a nice place with good food. We were sitting in front to Ron and we have a great conversation. He is showing a lot of courage. Ron has the full support of his wife, so right there a collection took place in which we all contributed, to send a bunch of flowers to his wife. I thought it was a great idea! Ron and Andrea have six children.

After the dinner we drove Max Wallace and wife Meg to their Motel and went to ours and I fell sleep in seconds.

The next day, I got up early and I found out that Andrew got involved in answering e-mails until late in the night and wanted to use the morning to finish his work.

I was to meet the 7.30 reporter at 10am. It was a nice, fresh morning and I decided to walk to the Court! What a great idea! I loved it. It took me 35 minutes to get there. I walked among parks, crossed the river, smell the trees in flowers and listened to the many birds. I was also pleased at the friendly and supportive comments of the people who I encounter on my walk in response to my windcheater.

I was feeling great when I arrived to the Court. The reporter was already there and pleases to see me. I put Andrew's apology and his work reasons were understood by this busy reporter. We had a positive communication as she was a good interviewer. I think both of us were please with the segment.

Now we all have to wait. Maybe it will be December or even next year before we get an answer from the Court.

For now I can say that it was a very interesting and educational time but the fight is not over by far. We will be there with our message of PROUDLY ATHEISTS.