School seeks $24,000 after Bible battle

Jeff McClintock with some of the paperwork involved in his battle against Bible in schools.

An Auckland school sued for its Bible lessons is claiming legal costs of more than $24,000 after a three-year long dispute with an Auckland father.

Jeff McClintock, whose legal battle against Red Beach Primary School failed in Supreme Court last week, said the school is now claiming costs of more than $24,000.

McClintock launched legal action against the Board of Trustees after disputes dating back to 2013 around his daughter's involvement in "Values in Action" classes, which included Bible teaching and songs during class time.

McClintock also took the Attorney-General to court, seeking a declaration that forced religious worship in public schools was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act.

The case was struck out by a High Court judge after delays in the process and non-compliance with the modified timetable. McClintock appealed this decision to the Court of Appeal, which was granted subject to conditions.

McClintock then disputed the conditions, and sought leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing against two of the conditions.

The application for leave to appeal was dismissed last Tuesday.

McClintock said the case was now unlikely to be ever heard. He was seeking donations to cover his costs.

Red Beach Primary School said it had no comment to make, stating the matter was still with its lawyer.