ACL compiles a daily media monitoring service of stories of interest to the Christian constituency relating to children, family, drugs and alcohol, marriage, human rights, religious freedom etc. Visit the ACL’s website each day to see what’s of interest in the news. Please note that selection of the articles does not represent ACL endorsement of the content.







 



 







Children & Family

Divorce more deadly for young women

Luke Malone - SMH

It's no surprise that going through a divorce is up there when it comes to stressful life hurdles. One only need look at Demi Moore to see a very public example of how the dissolution of a marriage can throw a substantial spanner in the works; not two months after announcing her divorce from Ashton Kutcher did she check into rehab for purported "eating disorder and addiction issues" following a nitrous oxide-fuelled seizure.

Classification

R18+ game delays frustrate Pirate Party

Delimiter

The Australian branch of the Pirate Party has expressed its dismay about the continuing delay over the introduction of an R18+ classification for video games, in a statement issued last week.

Gambling

Problem gambling is an issue that won’t go away

Roland Rocchiccioli - Melbourne Weekly

Legislation for problem gamblers is redolent of King Canute attempting to stop the waves lapping around his feet on the shoreline; Canute knew it to be a futile attempt but needed to prove it to his knights. For the few years I lived with my mother, Beria, I witnessed the shattering effects of problem gambling. After my parents divorced, my mother married an addicted gambler.

Packer rolls the dice over Echo

Colin Kruger - SMH

James Packer wants control of the rival casino operator Echo Entertainment in order to create a billion dollar luxury destination for VIP Asian gamblers at Sydney's harbour development showpiece - Barangaroo - sources close to the billionaire say. It means Echo's flagship casino, the Star, which has yet to finish a $750 million revamp to make it a premier destination for high rollers, would effectively be relegated again to the role of a pokie palace if Mr Packer's Crown Limited wins control.

Homelessness

Finalists in Homelessness Services awards announced

Probono Australia

Finalists in the inaugural National Homelessness Services Achievement awards have been announced in recognition of the work that Not for Profit organisations undertake in the delivery of homelessness services across the country. Announcing the 23 finalists, the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Robert McClelland said that he was “particularly impressed” by the level of dedication in the homelessness services sector.

Marriage

Civil unions likely to stay if already in place: Newman

Daniel Hurst - Brisbane Times

Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman has confirmed he thinks it would be leaving people in “legal limbo” to prevent future civil unions while keeping already-registered relationships recognised. Mr Newman faced repeated questions from numerous journalists at a media conference today about his position on same-sex civil unions, following his appearance at an Australian Christian Lobby event yesterday, which the LNP did not tell media about.

Bandt warning for MPs to slow down marriage equality vote

Serkan Ozturk - Gay News Network

With three marriage equality bills currently before Federal Parliament, Greens MP Adam Bandt – a co-sponsor of one of the bills – called on MPs and senators today to use the next few months to work on bringing together a single bill, adding that there was a “sense of inevitability about the change coming”. Bandt expressed his concern that a rush to vote on any of the three bills before Parliament would result in each of them not being passed.

Politics

Christian lobby launches Qld poll website

Nine News

The Australian Christian Lobby has launched a website to inform Queensland voters of their MP's record on conscience votes. The lobby's website, qldvotes.org.au, also polls the parties on 21 questions of concern to the Christian constituency. Spokeswoman Wendy Francis said major issues covered in the questionnaire included poker machines, abortion, euthanasia, palliative care, adoption, outdoor advertising and Christian religious education.

Pressure to purge cabinet of Kevin Rudd-backers

David Crowe - The Australian

Julia Gillard's backers have urged her to exercise her heightened authority over the Labor caucus by dumping key ministers who led the campaign against her leadership, clearing the way for a substantial cabinet reshuffle within days. The Prime Minister's supporters named Manufacturing Minister Kim Carr and Emergency Services Minister Robert McClelland as two of those who should be replaced, criticising their part in Kevin Rudd's bid to regain the Labor leadership. The surprise resignation of assistant treasurer Mark Arbib yesterday gave Ms Gillard more scope to promote her allies and could ease pressure for the removal of other ministers.

Prostitution & Sex Trafficking

Christian Lobby: ACT government feeding demand for trafficked women

Christian Today

The Australian Christian Lobby has expressed amazement that the ACT Legislative Assembly Inquiry into the Prostitution Act 1992 has recommended more prostitution despite the inquiry being triggered by the tragic death of a minor in a legal brothel. “This inquiry should have recommended a wholesale overhaul of Government policy towards prostitution. Instead it has whitewashed the current failed system and inexplicably recommended less controls in allowing prostitution to expand from Fyshwick into Canberra’s residential suburbs,” ACL’s Managing Director Jim Wallace said.

Religious Freedom & Persecution

Syria: Armed attack On Catholic monastery

Eurasia Review

For the first time in the history of the conflict in Syria, an armed attack has been made on a Catholic monastery, reported Vatican Radio on Saturday. About 30 armed men wearing masks attacked the monastery, founded by Jesuit from Italy Paolo dell’Olio. Attackers demanded money and weapons. According to the abbot, no one was killed or wounded. “However, it is strange that the attackers sought weapons in a monastery, known as a center of dialogue and reconciliation between Muslims and Christians,” – said the monk.

Other

God, family make appearance on Oscar red carpet

Beth Harris - The Associated Press

It wasn't hard to spot Elvis Presley's old co-star on the Oscars red carpet. She was the one wearing the nun's habit. Mother Dolores Hart, who left Hollywood 49 years ago to pursue a religious life, made a dramatic return Sunday to take part in the 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony. The Oscar-nominated documentary short film "God Is the Bigger Elvis," tells the 73-year-old nun's story.