Tongues are sure to wag.
Posted on 05/14/2004 11:35:58 AM PDT by missyme
KISS bass player Gene Simmons has caused an uproar among Australia's Muslim community by launching an attack on Islamic culture while in Melbourne.
The lizard-tongued rock god who is touring Australia with the world's most enduring glam rock band launched an attack on Muslim extremists during an interview on Melbourne's 3AW radio - including comments which were labelled inaccurate.
"Extremism believes that it's okay to strap bombs on to your children and send them to paradise and whatever else and to behead people," he said yesterday.
The Israeli-born US musician went on to say Islam was a "vile culture" that treated women worse than dogs.
Muslim women had to walk behind their men and were not allowed to be educated or own houses, he said.
"Your dog, however, can walk side by side, your dog is allowed to have its own dog house... you can send your dog to school to learn tricks, sit, beg, do all that stuff - none of the women have that advantage."
He went on to say the west was under threat.
"This is a vile culture and if you think for a second that it's going to just live in the sands of God's armpit you've got another thing coming," he said.
"They want to come and live right where you live and they think that you're evil."
Simmons said the United Nations approach did not work and the west had to "speak softly and carry a big stick".
The radio station today fielded calls from Muslims upset at the comments, including Australian Muslim of the year Susan Carland, who said Australian Muslims rejected extremism and did not fit Simmons' stereotype.
Ms Carland said she had two degrees, was doing her honours and "certainly do not walk behind my husband".
Chairman of the Islamic Council of Victoria Yasser Soliman said Simmons' comments were "very unfortunate".
"He's very famous obviously and popular and, as a result, influential," he said.
"Mixing the entertainment world with the political and religious world is a minefield."
He said Simmons had begun by talking about extremists but had gone on to vilify the entire Muslim culture.
"A number of his claims regarding women and what they are allowed to do and not do are wrong - Islam teaches the opposite," he said.
Simmons had a right to free speech, but this had to be balanced against the damage done to innocent people, he said.
"I think it would be good for overseas speakers and commentators to be given some sort of advice in regards to our vilification laws here," he said.
"They leave and go back to where they arrived from, but they leave behind a big mess that we have to live with."
Yes, but very true.
I used to think Gene was a scumbag, but now I see that he has some rather fine qualities.
Gee, he offended the effendis..."I'm deeply saddened!"
Tongues are sure to wag.
Gene Simmons is by no means a conservative role model, but at least he seems immune to P.C. GO GENE GO!!!
HAHAHAHA...
Gee, he offended the effendis..."I'm deeply saddened!"
Oh I get it now...if you say anything against Muslims...your "Mouthing Off"...but when it comes to Christians or Jews is "Healthy Criticism" or "Denouncement"
Something about pots and kettles comes to mind here...
This is going to kill of Kiss merchandising efforts in Saudi Arabia.
I think that Mr. Simmons has "got it" with regard to his remarks about the "Islamic culture". The rest of the world had better get there too, or they will become part of it.
Time to go out and buy the rest of the KISS collection.
I've never owned a KISS album or even (that I know of) listened to one of their songs. I may have to buy a CD though just to show my support with my pocket book.
Unlike those he was discussing, who leave behind thousands of dead, and several buildings in smoking ruin.
ah, a new roomate for Rushdie. Perhaps they can share hair bleach, blouse, skirts, and dresses...........
Not a good Muslim then or to some, not even a Muslim. This would be like a gay Catholic who believes in abortion.
Before KISS, Gene was studying to be a RABBI!!!!!!!
OY VEY!
Can you imagine such a thing?
........
I see you picked up on the same line I did. I like your response to it better.
Simmons needs to be wary of bulky-looking Arab kids walking up to him...
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