“It is comments like those made about banning Muslim headscarfs that incite hatred and tension in our local community against people from Muslim backgrounds.” said Ms Vamvakinou.
“Locally people from many different cultural and religious backgrounds have lived in harmony for years and we don’t need inflammatory statements from Liberal MP’s stirring up trouble.” said Ms Vamvakinou
“Representing an electorate in the Federal Parliament that has one of the largest Muslim population in Australia, it is incumbent on me to stand up against these narrow minded and discriminatory views.” said Ms Vamvakinou.
“Since these comments were made, my office has been receiving reports of Muslim women being attacked for wearing the traditional headscarf. I was shocked and appalled to hear about incident on Monday where a young girl was abused locally and attempts were made to remove her headscarf.” said Ms Vamvakinou
“I condemn these types of racist attacks, and ask fellow Parliamentarians to be mindful of the fact that their comments on these types of sensitive issues can sometimes incite hatred in the wider community.” said Ms Vamvakinou
In a recent article that appeared in the Canberra Times Maria Vamvakinou pointed out that:
“Some have already decided that Muslims, no matter who they are or where they come from, are an anathema and danger to the community…it has become too easy to vilify an entire people on the basis of events and actions of the few.” said Ms Vamvakinou.
