Evolution vs Creationism

Many NZ bloggers have pointed out and derided the fact that in some areas of the US, christian lobby groups are trying to block evolution being taught in schools. Incidentally I share the disdain for these anti-science lobbyists.

But perhaps we should look closer to home. Some Maori groups are opposing a project to trace the origins and movements of the human race saying:

“Indigenous people will be saying we already have our stories about our origins, so we don’t need a scientific rationale to justify our origins.”

Is this not just as bad? It is saying we have our origin or creation myths and we want to block any scientific research which could contradict this?

Many here sneer at the US for being dominated by religious fundamentalists. How much better are we with the legislative credence given to Maori spiritual beliefs?