Christian Pastors Found Guilty of Vilifying Islam

CNSNEWS.com ^ | 12/17/05 | Patrick Goodenough

[SolutionsOnly]

Hmmm. There seems to be more and more cases of hostility to Christianity that the New Testament warns us about in it's later chapters.

Like Billy Graham has said - 'Go though life with a Bible in one hand and a Newspaper in the other.' It's time to start paying attention.

[FreedomPoster]

Thoughtcrime. Doubleplusungood.

[miltonim]

...Much of what the judge considered offensive was simply quotations from the Koran...

[muawiyah]

Time for State Department to put Australia on the "Do not travel" list. The place could be dangerous for Americans. Like it's possible we might say something negative about Islamofascist terrorists.

One does wonder, though, if the "fix was in" with that judge.

[Fred Nerks]

http://www.catchthefire.com.au/newsandinfo.html

At the bottom of the page, for interesting reading:

Submission to the Equal Opportunities Commission - Response to complaints from the Islamic Council. (pdf)

The Equal Opportunities Commission (of Victoria.)Blech!

Meanwhile in another State, (New South Wales) an attendee of the Lakemba Mosque is to stand trial for terrorist plot to blow up our power-grid...and is asking for bail.

One law for Christian pastors and another the totally opposite for the terrorist I gather.

Oh well, what else could one expect? Victoria has a State Governor of Lebanese descent...a liberal. A very sad day for Australia.

[dog breath]

There is nothing intolerant or hateful in stating the truth. There is something intolerant and hateful about Islam, a religion that cannot handle criticism. Oh wait, maybe I shouldn't say anything, about Islam, or I might find myself with my throat slit and a note pinned to my chest.

[Fred Nerks]

You'll be fine if you visit Queensland. Lots of beaches, always sunny, Barrier Reef islands...loads of northern hospitality, Bundaberg Rum and coke...no mooselimbs!

[mollynme]

"To argue that quoting a religious book makes one guilty of vilification would put 98 percent of religious discussions out of bounds."

And there you have the judge's agenda in a nutshell.

[Vigilanteman]

Higgins referred to some of Scot's statements, including the view that the Koran "promotes violence, killing and looting"; that Muslims are liars; that Allah is not merciful and a thief's hand is cut off for stealing; and that Muslims intend to take over Australia and declare it an Islamic nation.

I, too, was wondering just what was factually incorrect about any of these statements. The truth defense should trump all the PC hogwash.

[muawiyah]

Still, the whole darned place has to go on the list. You know we Americans simply cannot tolerate countries that punish people for speech, particularly truthful speech.

The AU federal government is going to have to take that judge and toss him in the drink for any of us to believe it's safe anywhere there.

Could be billions in tourist dollars lost on this case.

[Critical Bill]

"These groups now have been given a clear warning that they will not have an unfettered ability to promote hatred and hostility in the community."

You betcha!

[lakeshore7]

Let me see if I got this right. If I were in Australia and I attended a Muslim "service" that quoted the Qu'ran, and if that quote advocated violence against Christians and other peoples "of the Book," I could then sue the Muslims for hate?

[Fred Nerks]

Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act is the 'baby' of the State Premier and will last as long as he does...
During the last elections, when John Howard was re-elected by an increased margin, a new political party made an entrance. Family First.
I believe that catchthefire ministries are connected with that new party...which did very well.
Family First are here to stay. That's more than what the Premier of Victoria can hope for!

[miltonim]

I hope you are good at predicting the future.

[Sgt_Schultze]

Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot were found to have breached a section of the state of Victoria's controversial hate law, which says a person must not incite "hatred against, serious contempt for or revulsion or severe ridicule of" another person or group on the basis of religious belief or activity.

It seems to me that the tribunal is guilty itself of violating this law. By denouncing the ministers' religious descriptions of islam, the tribunal has demonstrated an intolerance which is designed to bring about serious contempt for or revulsion or severe ridicule of" another person or group on the basis of religious belief...

I hope the ministers intend to pursue those charges.

[naturalman1975]

Let me see if I got this right. If I were in Australia and I attended a Muslim "service" that quoted the Qu'ran, and if that quote advocated violence against Christians and other peoples "of the Book," I could then sue the Muslims for hate?

Theoretically, yes - at least in the state of Victoria where this case took place. It is a bad law - but it is a bad law that does seem to be written to be applied equally.

[naturalman1975]

Still, the whole darned place has to go on the list. You know we Americans simply cannot tolerate countries that punish people for speech, particularly truthful speech. The AU federal government is going to have to take that judge and toss him in the drink for any of us to believe it's safe anywhere there.

Don't blame the judge. He is upholding the law and at his level, he really does have to uphold the law as written. Constitutional concerns and common law concerns (and this case involves both) are outside his balliwick.

I expect this case will go to the Supreme Court of Victoria and if necessary to the High Court of Australia. I am 90% certain the Supreme Court will overturn this ruling, and 99% sure the High Court will on Constitutional grounds.

If this does not occur, I will be one of many agitating for the Commonwealth government to use its treaty powers to overturn this law - and I honestly don't think there will be any difficulty in persuading the government to do so.

This is a bad law - but this is a ruling in a rather low level court, with a pretty limited scope for ruling. It will be appealed - and when it reaches courts concerned with the Constitution and Common Law, I cannot see the law surviving.

[DanTheAdmin]

That's alright - there's plenty of beaches and rum in the USA.

Is the whole rest of the world falling for this Islam crap? It's does make one wonder...

[DanTheAdmin]

BTW - thanks for the link on your "page" - I plan to download and read.

I wasn't dissing Australia in my post – just I’m not traveling too much beyond the boarders these days!