Australia's first Muslim frontbencher abused for taking oath on Koran

[the_bob_delusion]

I am shock and disgusted with the negative reaction. I doubt there would be any reaction if he swore on the bible instead. 

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/shame-shame-shame-australias-first-muslim-frontbench...

I think it's a great thing to have a muslim member of the parliament. I hope he is the reasonable voice of Islam. 

[the_bob_delusion]

sorry its still opinions and mine is if you want to be part of Australia then become Australian or bugger off.

So what exactly is it to be part of Australia??? Belief in the bible???

[**meep**]

Hawk, with all due respect, how can it be an opinion when the fact is, under the Constitution, he does have a choice?  Or am I not understanding it correctly?

[channys_mum]

I very much doubt the koran forms any part of the Australian constitution 

He was not swearing allegiance to the Koran, he was using the Koran to swear allegiance to his country (Australia).

If an atheist were to swear allegiance, would it be any more valid if he used the bible.

I think it would be hypocritical and also for a Muslim to swear on anything but the Koran would be hypocritical.

[donnashuggy]

Bottom line is he is an Aussie.

[izabsmiling]

What is the freedom of religion and belief?

Freedom of religion and belief is a fundamental human right protected by a number of international treaties and declarations, including article 18(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This right encompasses freedom of thought on all matters and the freedom to manifest religion and belief individually or with others, in public or in private.

For more information see Article 18: Freedom of religion and belief.

The right to freedom of religion is supported by the right to non-discrimination on the grounds of religion, contained in article 26 of the ICCPR.

International human rights law also protects people against the promotion of religious hatred which amounts to incitement of discrimination, hostility or violence (ICCPR, article 20).

https://www.humanrights.gov.au/freedom-religion-and-belief

If anyone is saying he can't ...they don't know our rights or international law .

[freakiness]

If he wants to be in Australian parliament he should take the same oath in the same way as any other polly X-(

its a disgrace

He did. What's a disgrace?

[**meep**]

Bob, I agree with you that it is hypocritical. I still find it difficult to understand why you would be shocked by the reaction based on your views which you have expressed here on many occasions.  That's all.

And Bob, yes, I should know you by now, you'd think, but I don't.  You keep contradicting yourself.  Not that long ago you stated that you were against the teaching of the Bible and the Koran and that there should only be one religion ie Jainism.  That does not sound like much of a choice to me :^O

OK....that's all..

[freakiness]

I very much doubt the koran forms any part of the Australian constitution 

It makes no difference.  The oath is not about religion it's about yourself in taking the oath.

[freakiness]

sorry its still opinions and mine is if you want to be part of Australia then become Australian or bugger off.

He already obviously is Australian or he would not be eligible to vote or stand for election.

[**meep**]

Hey Bob, will you be watching Wimbledon tonight?  I think on 7TWO they will show the Radwanska vs Li Na match.