Australian Muslims call for more protection in religious discrimination bill
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils is warning of ‘increased intolerance towards Muslims’, urging stronger protections should be established in the Morrison government’s Religious
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils is warning of ‘increased intolerance towards Muslims’, urging stronger protections should be established in the Morrison government’s Religious Discrimination Bill.
Australia’s peak Islamic body has warned of increased discrimination towards Muslims in a submission urging stronger protections be cast in the Morrison government’s Religious Discrimination Bill.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, representing Muslim communities across the nation, said it was sounding the alarm over a rising tide of Islamophobia.
In its submission lodged by President Dr Rateb Jneid, it declares draft laws prescribed in the Religious Discrimination Bill do not go far enough within an increasingly intolerant society.
The submission states safeguarding the rights of people to practice their religion is paramount to protecting against this discrimination.
“There is now a growing body of evidence to support this increased intolerance towards Muslims and their beliefs and practices,” the submission reads.
“Australian society has become more intolerance of minorities, and religious minorities specifically … that intolerance we submit has led to an increased level of discrimination.”
“We urge the government in the strongest terms to find a workable solution … that balances the competing rights of people of faith and others.”
