The Australian government and politicians blasted Andrews’ call for a debate on the growing Muslim population.
SYDNEY – The Australian government and opposition were united on Thursday, October 29, in condemning calls by a liberal lawmaker and former minister for a debate on the growing Muslim population in the country.
“The Rudd government does not share the views expressed by Kevin Andrews and does not believe they contribute to an informed debate,” Immigration Minister Chris Evans told the Australian Associated Press.
“As a former immigration minister, Mr Andrews knows that Australia's migration program does not discriminate on the basis of race or religion.”
Andrews, a former minister, has sparked furor after calling for a debate on the growing Muslim population in Australia.
“To have a concentration of one ethnic or one particular group that remains in an enclave for a long period of time is not good,” the federal Liberal MP told Macquarie Radio.
Muslims, who have been in Australia for more than 200 years, make up 1.5 percent of its 20-million population.
Islam is the country's second largest religion after Christianity.
Racist
The opposition agreed with the government in denouncing the anti-Muslim remarks.
“(It's) a pretty despicable comment,” Greens leader Bob Brown said.
He compared the remarks to racist policies of former One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who has long campaigned against immigrants.
“We are seeing a far right, pretty disgusting point of view.”
The Liberal Party also distanced itself from the anti-Muslim remarks of its member Andrews.
Greg Hunt, the Liberal frontbencher, said the coalition's approach was “color-blind, ethnicity-blind, background-blind and simply focused on their ability to contribute.”
In post 9/11 Australia, Muslims have been haunted with suspicion and have had their patriotism questioned.
In 2008, a governmental report revealed that Muslims are facing deep-seated Islamophobia and race-based treatment like never before.
IslamOnline.net & News Agencies
SYDNEY – The Australian government and opposition were united on Thursday, October 29, in condemning calls by a liberal lawmaker and former minister for a debate on the growing Muslim population in the country.
“The Rudd government does not share the views expressed by Kevin Andrews and does not believe they contribute to an informed debate,” Immigration Minister Chris Evans told the Australian Associated Press.
“As a former immigration minister, Mr Andrews knows that Australia's migration program does not discriminate on the basis of race or religion.”
Andrews, a former minister, has sparked furor after calling for a debate on the growing Muslim population in Australia.
“To have a concentration of one ethnic or one particular group that remains in an enclave for a long period of time is not good,” the federal Liberal MP told Macquarie Radio.
Muslims, who have been in Australia for more than 200 years, make up 1.5 percent of its 20-million population.
Islam is the country's second largest religion after Christianity.
Racist
The opposition agreed with the government in denouncing the anti-Muslim remarks.
“(It's) a pretty despicable comment,” Greens leader Bob Brown said.
He compared the remarks to racist policies of former One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who has long campaigned against immigrants.
“We are seeing a far right, pretty disgusting point of view.”
The Liberal Party also distanced itself from the anti-Muslim remarks of its member Andrews.
Greg Hunt, the Liberal frontbencher, said the coalition's approach was “color-blind, ethnicity-blind, background-blind and simply focused on their ability to contribute.”
In post 9/11 Australia, Muslims have been haunted with suspicion and have had their patriotism questioned.
In 2008, a governmental report revealed that Muslims are facing deep-seated Islamophobia and race-based treatment like never before.
IslamOnline.net & News Agencies
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