21st March, 2011

The Australian Christian Lobby has called on the Victorian Government to reconsider a proposal to ease restrictions on trading on Easter Sunday.

Rob Ward, the lobby's Victorian state director, said the proposed Shop Trading Reform Amendment (Easter Sunday) Bill - set to be debated this week - will do away with almost all restrictions on trading on Easter Sunday.

"Easter Sunday is an important tradition valued by society and should not be competed with by shopping," he said, noting that trading is not permitted on only 3.5 days a year in the state.

Mr Ward also claimed that the bill impacted on the freedom of religion, saying it reduces the ability of people to practice their faith.

"While there are some limits under various awards that require employers to cater for employee's religious practices, there is no doubt that pressure will be placed on Christians who would normally worship on this most important day in the Christian calender."

The Bill, introduced by the Ballieau government, has already passed through the Legislative Assembly and is expected to be debated in the Legislative Council this week.

- DAVID ADAMS