Last week I was asked to vote for a Senate inquiry into the conduct of the Church of Scientology. The actual wording of the motion wasn't that direct but the intention of those supporting it was absolutely clear. According to the advocates for the motion, Scientology wasn't a religion but a money-making enterprise that was ruining people's lives. They regarded the conduct of Scientology as reprehensible and detailed allegations of child labour, intimidation and forced abortions. Perhaps the allegations are true. If that is the case, there is a formidable array of government agencies that have the power to investigate...
A radical and dangerous change was proposed for Australia this week. A prominent Muslim leader called for parts of Islamic law (sharia) to be legally recognised in Australia. The President of the Australian Islamic Mission, Zachariah Matthews, was speaking at what appears to be the heart of Islamic Fundamentalism in Australia, the Lakemba Mosque, last Saturday. The Lakemba Mosque has been the forum for a number of speakers advocating or defending radical actions which does little to quash claims that some attendees are linked to the Taliban and Hamas terrorist groups. Few Australians will forget Sheik Hilaly's 'uncovered meat' defence...
Muslim scholar, Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, launches a fatwa that condemns suicide bombings It's about time. I am referring to reports in the UK newspapers yesterday that a Muslim leader has finally condemned the acts of terrorism conducted in the name of Islam. Pakistani-born Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said there were no 'ifs or buts' that acts of terrorism cut people off as true followers of Islam. In issuing his fatwa, or religious edict concerning Islamic life, he said "There is no place for any martyrdom and their act is never, ever to be considered jihad.' He further called on Islamic leaders...
At a recent function in Naracoorte (in the South East of South Australia) I was asked by a guest to share my thoughts on a national curriculum. Little did I know that just 24 hours later it was to become the topic of so much political verbiage. According to the media the teachers union are opposed to it, the school Principal's association are supportive, Labor is proposing it and the Coalition has some concerns. Personally, I am supportive of a standardised basic curriculum that incorporates the important skills that are traditionally taught in schools - reading, writing and arithmetic. For...
Election campaigns tend to heighten sensitivities. Every perceived slight is magnified under the intensity of media scrutiny and it is often hard to stand your ground under such relentless pressure. This was brought home to me recently when I noticed an independent upper house candidate standing on an anti-abortion platform. His campaign posters, featuring a healthy baby, were dotted on stobie poles along Adelaide's major thoroughfares. It was the first time I can recall seeing a one issue anti-abortion platform used in a political campaign and instinctively I wondered how long before the hate campaign against him would begin. It...
Recent Comments