A PETITION tabled in Federal Parliament calling for a 10-year ban on Muslim immigration has been labelled bigoted by a leader of the Islamic community.
ACT senator Gary Humphries last Thursday tabled the petition, signed by three Sydneysiders, calling for a 10-year moratorium on Muslim immigration and a review of Australia's immigration policy to ensure priority is given to Christians.
But the Liberal senator has defended his tabling of the "somewhat offensive" petition, which he acknowledges is potentially racist and bigoted, saying he presented it because it conformed with Senate standing orders.
"I certainly don't agree with what's in the document. I don't agree with the sentiments expressed by the petitioners," he told ABC Radio today.
"But I believe that they have the right to put that point of view in front of the members of the Federal Parliament."
Anti-Muslim petition in Parliament 'bigoted' | Herald Sun
ACT senator Gary Humphries last Thursday tabled the petition, signed by three Sydneysiders, calling for a 10-year moratorium on Muslim immigration and a review of Australia's immigration policy to ensure priority is given to Christians.
But the Liberal senator has defended his tabling of the "somewhat offensive" petition, which he acknowledges is potentially racist and bigoted, saying he presented it because it conformed with Senate standing orders.
"I certainly don't agree with what's in the document. I don't agree with the sentiments expressed by the petitioners," he told ABC Radio today.
"But I believe that they have the right to put that point of view in front of the members of the Federal Parliament."
Anti-Muslim petition in Parliament 'bigoted' | Herald Sun