"A council has the following charter: to exercise its functions in a manner that is consistent with and actively promotes the multicultural principles, and promotes social justice principles of equity, access, participation and rights."

Given these guidelines, I expect Port Stephens Council to start including prayers from Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Jedis and Pastafarians at the start of council meetings, in the true spirit of multiculturalism and equal rights.

Or they could just do the sensible and conciliatory thing, and remove religious prayers from the council's meetings altogether.

Sally Dover, in my view, is doing the same thing as Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, in imposing her personal religious beliefs on her fellow councillors and staff, despite their objections and despite it being clearly against the council charter.

As an elected civic representative, Ms Dover and her fellow councillors are obliged to treat all their constituents equally.

Peter Rowney

Lemon Tree Passage