RELIGIOUS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Australian Muslims fear proposed bill that bans symbols could create problems for innocent people.
They have expressed concern over a bill prohibiting the use of the terrorist group Daesh/ISIS symbol, which contains Islamic words in its flag insignia, fearing that local authorities may misinterpret it and cause problems for innocent people.
Prior to introducing the bill, the government engaged in consultations with the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) and reached an understanding regarding the distinction between the terrorist organization Daesh/ISIS and the Islamic faith.
Australia has proposed a bill to the parliament that criminalizes the public display and trade of prohibited symbols, including the Nazi hakenkreuz, the Nazi double sig rune, and the so-called Daesh/ISIS flag, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said on Wednesday.
“The bill aims to combat harassment and vilification of specific communities in Australia, including those targeted by Nazi, neo-Nazi, and Islamic State supports through public display offenses,” Dreyfus said in a statement.
“The government acknowledges the differentiation between the terrorist organization and the respected Islamic faith in Australia’s multicultural society,” he added.
In March, the ruling Labor party dismissed an attempt by the coalition to outlaw Nazi insignia. Instead, they opted to subject the proposal to a parliamentary inquiry, aiming to stem any unanticipated repercussions.