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The Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, John Cobb, has rejected calls to ban the wearing of head scarves or other religious dress in Australian schools. Parish Patience Immigration applauds Mr Cobb's comments, which included:
'Whether a Muslim woman choses to wear the headscarf in public or not does not diminish her identity as an Australian. These comments promote division and are an insult to many of our fellow Australians. They are offensive to all of us who recognise that acceptance of people from different backgrounds is a cornerstone of Australian society.
'Where do we stop with determining what people can wear,' said Mr Cobb. 'Do we ban nuns from wearing a habit, do we ban turbans, kippah's or even baseball caps and akubras? It is time that we all cool down, stop beating our chests and remember that Australia is a country that has successfully welcomed people from many countries from all religions throughout our entire history.'
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("Headscarves to stay," Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs media release, 29 August 2005)
With regards to the Minister's statement, senior immigration lawyer from Parish Patience Immigration, Mr Nicholas McNally, said today:
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"This reaffirmation of multiculturalism in Australia is a positive development for the protection of economic, social and cultural rights in Australia. It represents a timely and proper recognition of freedom of religion enshrined in the Australian Constitution. Multiculturalism and integration by new migrants into Australian society should not require the complete surrender of one's cultural and ethnic individuality." |
For further information contact:
Nicholas McNally
Ph: +61 2 9286 8700
Email: Nicholas McNally
Copyright © 1997-2005 Parish Patience
Immigration. All rights reserved.
Revised: 30 August 2005
Migration Agents Registration Numbers 9255523, 9359088,
9370721, 9800540, 9802999, 0004435, 0106541, 0322836, 0425543,
0532754
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