Decision details

Moved by Councillor Jarrett, seconded by Councillor Gannon -

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         according to the 2021 National Census data, 44 per cent of Australians identify as Christian, making Christianity the most popular religion in Australia;

(ii)        Easter is one of the principal holidays of Christianity alongside Christmas. This is reflected in Australian culture generally with the nationally recognised public holidays for this celebration;

(iii)      in the Green Square Community News 8 April 2024 edition, the Lord Mayor acknowledged the celebrations of Ramadan (11 March-9 April), Hana Matsuri (8 April), Eid al Fitr (9 April), Ugadi (9 April), Songkran (13-15 April), Thingyan (13-16 April), Choul Chnam Thmey(13-15 April), Pii Mai (13-16 April), Aluth Avurudda 13 April), Puthandu (14 April), Vaisakhi (13 April), Navavarsha (14 April), Pohela Boishakh (14 April), Maithil (15 April), Ridvan (19 April-1 May), Passover (22-20 April), St George’s Day (23 April), Hanuman Jayanti (23 April) and Hung Vuong Festival (9-18 April), but there was no mention of Easter which occurred between 29 March and 1 April 2024;

(iv)      the previous Green Square Community News was sent out to the community in October 2023 and therefore did not include any mention of Easter celebrations for 2024; and

(v)       in the April 2024 edition of the Sydney City News there was also no mention of Easter celebrations; and

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to include a statement in the next publication of Green Square Community News and all other community news publications sent out around the Easter period for 2024 (29 March-1 April 2024) which also did not include any mention of this important celebration, acknowledging the importance of the celebration of Easter and correcting the record for missing its inclusion in the well wishes of many other celebrations around the same time within these publications.

The motion was lost on the following show of hands –

Ayes (4)          Councillors Gannon, Jarrett, Scott and Weldon

Noes (6)          The Chair (the Lord Mayor), Councillors Chan, Davis, Ellsmore, Kok and Worling.

Motion lost.

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