Bible Study software inclusion in Edubuntu seeds

[Scott Balneaves]

On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 01:07:14AM +0000, Dmitrijs Ledkovs wrote:

> I would like to propose Xiphos for inclusion into Gtk seed and
> BibleTime into KDE seed.

...

> I do understand the religion is a touchy subject and might not be
> appropriate for global audience of Edubuntu but I hope that these
> packages can be recognized and included in Edubuntu seeds....

While I understand the desire to want this to happen, I think it sets a
dangerous precedent for Edubuntu, and one which starts down a slippery slope.

If we include Bible study software on the DVD, then that also means we should
include zekr (Quranic Study Tool).  What about a Satanic Bible reader?  Can we
say no to that?  Atheists deserve equal time too, and I'm sure the Church of
Scientology would love the opportunity to put some educational material on the
DVD!

This may limit some countries into which the Edubuntu DVD may be imported,
because of religious reasons.  Currently, I'm aware of no reason why Edubuntu
may not be in any country, as at the moment, it's Secular.

What this eventually devolves into is the Edubuntu Council making judgement
calls on what constitute 'valid' religions, and what aren't.

I'm 100% in favour of them being in the archive for anyone to install.  Shipping
them on the DVD makes a statement of preference that's outside our goals, I
think.

I'm speaking for myself here, lets see what the rest of the council has to say.
It could certainly be discussed at a council meeting, which all may attend.

Cheers,
Scott

-- 
Scott L. Balneaves | Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear
Systems Department | and the blind can read.
Legal Aid Manitoba |     -- Mark Twain