‘Alarming emergence’ of religious intolerance in Australia

George Brandis said, calling for greater efforts to counter discrimination, particularly against Muslims

Australia is experiencing an “alarming emergence” of religious intolerance, Attorney-General George Brandis said, calling for greater efforts to counter discrimination, particularly against Muslims.

Brandis, who spoke at an inaugural Religious Freedom Roundtable, said he was fearful for religious freedom and tolerance in Australia.

Brandis told the gathering of religious representatives in Sydney that members of the Islamic community are sometimes the victims of suspicion and hostility directed against them by those ignorantly seeking to blame terrorist violence upon Quranic teaching.

Brandis’ comments came as a report reflecting on the 40th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act, and which surveyed Muslim Australians; found they experienced “daily or regular” discrimination due to their beliefs.