Fred Nile “ban the burqa” Bill offensive and divisive dog-whistling

11.9.14

(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)

Greens NSW MP and spokesperson for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women Dr Mehreen Farqui has condemned the Reverend Fred Nile introducing legislation to ban full-face coverings, with his speech focussed primarily on banning Muslim women from wearing burqas.

“Whether it’s the right to abortion or wearing clothing of their choice, Reverend Nile seems obsessed with what women do with their bodies,” Dr Faruqi said.

“We live in a society where people have the right to wear what they want.

“Muslim women have the right to freedom of choice, just like every other Australian.

“Improved rights for women are not achieved by conservative men legislating what they can and can’t do.

“An open and inclusive society starts community conversations about improving women’s rights – it doesn’t make women’s choices an offence.

“This legislation is yet another example of conservative men trying to control what women do,” she concluded.