Australians will not tolerate views of Muslim cleric

22-January-2009

The Federal Shadow Minister for Women, Sophie Mirabella MP has labelled comments from Melbourne Muslim Cleric Abu Hamza as “utterly unacceptable in the 21st Century”.

Abu Hamza is reported in his lecture, The Keys to a Successful Marriage, to have mocked Australia’s criminal laws and stated that there is no such thing as rape in marriage. He has also reportedly outlined the ways in which it is acceptable for a husband to hit his wife.

“All fair minded Australians would be horrified to read the comments of Abu Hamza condoning behaviour which is so diametrically opposed to our way of life,” Mrs Mirabella said.

Abu Hamza’s lecture comes only a few weeks after a report by the Islamic Women’s Welfare Council of Victoria which showed that some Muslim leaders in Victoria condone rape in marriage, domestic violence and the exploitation of women, amongst other things.

“Rape or violence, whether in marriage or not, is not acceptable by Australian standards. These men are supposed to be the leaders of their communities, providing guidance in all aspects of the lives of their fellow Australian Muslims and yet what they are teaching is totally unacceptable in this country,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“All women whether they are born here or choose to make Australia their home, no matter what their religious background or cultural upbringing have a right, by Australian law, to live in peace. Those who violate these laws need to feel the full force of them when they do so,” Mrs Mirabella said.

“I join with the vast majority of Australian Muslims in condemning these disgusting and outrageous comments”, Mrs Mirabella concluded.