Christian Influence Increases in Western Australian Politics.

Six months after being elected, a god-squad of devout Liberals preaching morality and Christian values in a parliament better known for misconduct and lewd behaviour is shaping as a new force in West Australian politics. While their views are not unique - other state politicians such as Liberal David Clarke, Christian Democrats Fred Nile and Gordon Moyes in NSW, and Family First's Robert Brokenshire and Dennis Hood in South Australia, have pushed similar themes for years - the new MPs in Western Australia potentially pack a bigger punch.

They're in government, not Opposition, and they have the numbers. The group is being closely watched after putting Premier Colin Barnett on notice that integrity and moral certainties would guide their votes. Chief among them is Peter Abetz, an ordained minister of the Christian Reformed Church and the brother of right-wing Liberal senator Eric Abetz. He makes no bones about his intention to put his Christian values first, even if it means breaking ranks.

Outspoken against abortion, euthanasia and legalised prostitution, which he says legitimises the sexual abuse of women, he claims WA has been under attack from politicians reshaping it in ways that harm the most vulnerable. "I think, broadly speaking, people regard politicians as pretty low on the integrity scale. I can only chip away trying to reform it," Abetz said. "If there was some element that I thought was unconscionable, then I would say to Colin Barnett: 'I'm either going to have to cross the floor or I'm going to wag parliament that day."'

Barnett - a centrist Liberal - knows there is little room for MPs to flex their muscles without sparking problems in his precarious alliance government, which is made up of 29 lower-house Liberal, National and independent MPs, against 28 Labor and two other independents following last year's election in which the Labor government was defeated. With issues such as prostitution, drug laws and mandatory jail terms high on the legislative agenda, the balancing act will be acute.

Abetz and former pastor Ian Britza are at the core of the new religious Right. In their inaugural parliamentary speeches Abetz promised to promote and uphold moral laws first and Britza warned of moral decline and linked his victory to divine providence. Other new MPs preach similar themes, just without the religious careers. Former tax accountant Tony Krsticevic used his first speech to thank God for being with him in his election. Church volunteer Albert Jacob urged integrity and family values as he thanked God for the "divine opportunity" to serve.

Full Story at source: http://au.christiantoday.com