So. African Parliament Debates Bill on Religion of University Teachers

Government members of the South African Parliament were reported today as remaining divided on a private members bill to remove the “conscience clause” from the charter of the Orange Free State University. The clause bars questioning of the religion of applicants for teaching positions.

Opposition to the measure–which has been formally opposed by the South African Jewish Board of Deputies–was expressed during a debate in Parliament. Dirk Mostert, a Government MP, said the bill was sponsored by the university and that the government had nothing to do with it. He denied the bill was an act of religious discrimination, asserting that the university would still remain open to persons of all faiths. He argued that the university’s only objective in seeking removal of the “conscience clause” was the right to “bear in mind” the Christian Protestant character intended by its founders when staff members were appointed.

Professor I.S. Fourie of the Opposition said if such legislation had been in effect when the university was founded some of its greatest figures might have been excluded from the university faculty. He opposed any provision for taking into account the religious affiliation of appointees to staff positions. Helen Zuzman of the Opposition said that if the measure was adopted, several other universities would seek similar elimination of the conscience clause.

The Transvaler, a newspaper close to the government, said the bill was unlikely to come before Parliament again during the current session. The Rand Daily Mail reported that government members were divided on the bill and said at a caucus meeting several members opposed it on grounds that dropping the clause would be tampering with religious freedom. Another caucus will be held this week.