Australia Blocks Push for ‘Moderate’ Sharia Law
May 17, 2011
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Sydney. Australia blocked a call from a leading Muslim group on Tuesday for the introduction of a non-extremist version of Shariah law, saying local legislation would always win in any clash of cultural values.
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils had urged the government to consider “legal pluralism” for Muslims in a submission for a parliamentary inquiry into a new policy covering multiculturalism.
However, Attorney General Robert McClelland ruled out any such change.
“As our citizenship pledge makes clear, coming to Australia means obeying Australian laws and upholding Australian values,” he told the Australian Associated Press, the national news agency.
“Australia’s brand of multiculturalism promotes integration. If there is any inconsistency between cultural values and the rule of law, then Australian law wins out.”
In its submission, the federation said that while some Muslims saw Shariah law as immutable, others argued it could be amended to respond to social change and, as such, could be applied in Australia in a way that fitted with the country.
Federation president Ikebal Adam Patel said family law, including divorce, was one area in which Shariah could stand alongside the Australian legal system.
“It is important for someone who is Muslim or a practicing Jew that aspects of our religions can be incorporated within the greater legal system are introduced,” Patel told The Australian newspaper. “This is about personal issues about family, and won’t affect any other Australian.”
McClelland said people who migrated to Australia did so because it was a free, open and tolerant society where men and woman were equal before the law irrespective of race, religion or background.
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