The Abbott Government’s decision to go to war in Iraq and its recent theatrical raids in the Muslim community are inflaming Islamophobia and racism, generating a climate of fear and hatred in our community. New anti-terror laws will attack our civil rights and reverse the onus of proof for those travelling to Syria and Iraq, automatically suspecting them of terrorism unless they can prove otherwise. There has not been a single terrorist attack in Australia since the 1970s, and there is, as Abbott admits, no intelligence of any being planned. The government is directing terror against Muslims, with disturbing results. There are increasing reports of threats, violent assaults and street harassment of ordinary people.
Tony Abbott has made offensive comments about the burqa, aiming to reinforce the idea that Muslims and Islam are an inherent threat and to give the green light to bigotry.
TARGETTING MUSLIMS TARGETS US ALL
It’s no coincidence that the government has triggered a wave of Islamophobia now: the bombing raids in Iraq and the “terror” raids here are perfect distractions from the cuts to social protections announced in the budget — cuts which have made the government deeply unpopular.
The anti-terror laws are an attack on us all. They turbo-charge the government’s powers to monitor electronic communications. They attack the media’s right to hold the government accountable by putting restrictions on journalists. At the same time they attack our right to a peaceful world by lavishing money they say they don’t have on a foolhardy war that will only worsen the situation in Iraq and inflame anti-Muslim sentiment here.
It is a disgrace that the Labor opposition has waved these moves through. Racism attacks a principle that should be fundamental to our society – the idea that everyone is equal, regardless of their skin colour or creed. It is up to us, ordinary people, to respond and stand up to Islamophobia.
COME TO A PUBLIC MEETING ON 9 NOVEMBER
On November 9, a coalition of anti-racism and human-rights activists have called a public meeting to send a strong signal: anti-Muslim sentiment in our society must be rejected.
Join us to reject fear-mongering, express our solidarity with Muslims, and discuss what can be done to combat racist violence and Islamophobia.
RALLY AGAINST ISLAMOPHOBIA AND WAR
TOWN HALL, 1PM SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER
ALL WELCOME
Speakers:
Chair: Mehreen Faruqi, NSW MLC
Fatima Ali, Arab Council of Australia
Lydia Shelly, Islamophobia Register
Prof. Wendy Bacon, Australian Centre for Independent Journalism, UTS
Stuart Rees, Founder of Sydney Peace Foundation
Stephen Blanks, President of NSW Council of Civil Liberties
Sunday 9 November 3pm-5pm
UTS Tower Building, Broadway
F: http://bit.ly/racism_mtg or search “Public Meeting - Communities
United Against Racism”
M: Clare – 0415 821 485, Nick – 0481 339 937, Peter – 0401 760 577
Organised by Communities United Against Racism and Islamophobia
Supported by Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, Stop the War
Coalition and Refugee Action Coalition
Authorised and printed by Senator Lee Rhiannon, 72 Campbell St, Surry Hill 2010