Imams’ council condemns Melbourne Islamic preacher’s call to ‘take up arms’ against enemies
The Australian National Imams’ Council has condemned a Melbourne preacher for inciting hatred against Jews and Christians in a recent sermon. Independent MP Allegra Spender cited the incident as evidence that Australia requires more robust legal protections against hate speech.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding religious rhetoric and the legislative balance between free speech and protection against hate speech.
Allegra Spender, the independent member for Wentworth, says Australia needs stronger protections against hate speech. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Allegra Spender, the independent member for Wentworth, says Australia needs stronger protections against hate speech. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Melbourne Imams’ council condemns Melbourne Islamic preacher’s call to ‘take up arms’ against enemies Independent MP Allegra Spender says the comments reinforce the need for stronger protection against hate speech
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Australia’s peak body for imams says it is “deeply concerned” about reports a Melbourne-based Islamic preacher called for followers to “take up arms against his enemies” and not take “Jews and the Christians for friends”.
The Australian National Imams’ Council (ANIC) released a statement on Tuesday after Nine newspapers revealed the preacher who goes by the name Abu Ahmad made the comments during a sermon in July.
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