Dec 16, 2004, 21:50
Interesting article from The Age (from Melbourne)
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/C...click=true
Since the article requires registration, I'm quoting bits here:
Sigh... I think some preachers can get a bit carried away in the "heat of the moment" on the pulpit...
However it does set quite a precedent...
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/C...click=true
Since the article requires registration, I'm quoting bits here:
Quote:The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) today blasted the Catch the Fire Ministries, its pastor Danny Nalliah, and speaker Daniel Scot over the March 2002 seminar in Melbourne and several articles in the church's newsletter.
In a decision handed down today in a major test of Victoria's three-year-old racial and religious vilification laws, Judge Michael Higgins found in favour of the Islamic Council of Victoria, which took the action against Catch The Fire.
...
The church faces a maximum penalty of a $30,000 fine, while Mr Scot and Mr Nalliah each face fines of up to $6,000 or six months jail.
...
In a summary of reasons for his decision, Judge Higgins said Pastor Scot had throughout the seminar made fun of Muslim beliefs and conduct.
"It was done, not in the context of a serious discussion of Muslims' religious beliefs," Judge Higgins said.
"It was presented in a way which is essentially hostile, demeaning and derogatory of all Muslim people, their God, Allah, the prophet Mohammed and in general Muslim religious beliefs and practices."
Judge Higgins said that, during the seminar, Pastor Scot had claimed that the Koran promoted violence, killing and looting and that Muslims were liars and demons.
Pastor Scot also had said Muslims had a plan to overrun western democracy by violence and terror and wanted to turn Australia into an Islamic nation, and he exaggerated Muslim population numbers in Australia.
...
"The decision is very significant in terms of showing how the Act operates in practice," said the commission's chief executive, Dr Helen Szoke.
"It demonstrates where the line is drawn between legitimate public debate and behaviour that incites hatred."
Sigh... I think some preachers can get a bit carried away in the "heat of the moment" on the pulpit...
However it does set quite a precedent...
