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. 

[i-need-a-martini]

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

That's ridiculous.

He may as well not take an oath at all if he has to take it on something he doesn't believe in.

[i-need-a-martini]

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

Try again:

That's ridiculous.

He may as well not take an oath at all if he has to take it on something he doesn't believe in.

[**meep**]

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. 

I am glad too but not sure why you are shocked and disgusted.  You have on many occasions criticised Islam's teachings. Questioning if it was a religion of peace.  I thought you would understand the  reasons behind the negative reactions.?:|

[the_hawk*]

Try again:

That's ridiculous.

He may as well not take an oath at all if he has to take it on something he doesn't believe in.

opinions opinions I still say its disgraceful and a complete disrespect for the people he is suppose to be representing 

[i-need-a-martini]

Wouldn't it be disrespectful to Christians if he swore on the Bible? ?:|

As a Muslim, his word would surely mean more if he pledged his allegiance to something he believed in rather than something he did not.

It's not an opinion. It's common sense.

[the_hawk*]

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

[**meep**]

Hawk:

The Constitution provides that every Member of the House of Representatives, before taking his or her seat, must make and subscribe an oath or affirmation of allegiance before the Governor-General or some person authorised by the Governor-General.The oath or affirmation takes the following form:

The oath of allegiance need not necessarily be made on the authorised version of the Bible, although this has been the common practice. A Member may recite the oath while holding another form of Christian holy book, or, in respect of a nonChristian faith, a book or work of such a nature. The essential requirement is that every Member taking an oath should take it in a manner which affects his or her conscience regardless of whether a holy book is used or not.

[i-need-a-martini]

They don't actually swear their allegiance to the Bible. They swear their allegiance to God.

It doesn't specify whose God.

[the_hawk*]

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

[the_bob_delusion]

I am glad too but not sure why you are shocked and disgusted.  You have on many occasions criticised Islam's teachings. Questioning if it was a religion of peace.  I thought you would understand the  reasons behind the negative reactions.?:|

?:| Come on Eve. You should know me by now. I support the freedom of religion and freedom of non-religion. People should be able to worship whatever they want and pray whereever they like as long as it's not forced on anyone. My point was you cannot reject the Koran yet support the bible or the Torah. It's just hypocritical.