The idea was originally proposed by the Lebanese Muslim Association and other senior Australian Islamic clerics, including Ameer Ali, former head of the Prime Minister's Muslim reference group. It has now attracted the attention and backing of NSW Premier Morris Iemma and PM, John Howard.
The idea is centered upon the hope that flying the flag would symbolise 'Integration' and 'Pride' at being both Australian, and Muslim. The Lebanese Muslim Association says the plan should become mandatory for all new churches, mosques and other places of worship built, but that it should be funded by the Federal Government. The spokesman from the Islamic Friendship Association, Keysar Trad, said "There is no nationality before God", that this would politicise places of worship, and that there was no need for such a measure.
I personally think the plan reeks of political symbolism, and a poor attempt to cover over the cracks that are appearing between some in the Muslim community and what could loosely be called "mainstream Australia". The rule of law in Australia will always come into conflict with the more extreme branches of Islam, like Wahaabism, which dictates that listening to music and looking at photographs or drawings containing people are forbidden.
Mandating the flying of the Australian Flag at places of worship is something that would fail to develop the strong ties needed between Australians of all nationalities. Having an Australian flag flying over a church, or mosque or synagogue, has no real effect on the people that worship inside.
News Sources:
Radio National:
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/s … 850364.htm
SMH:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/ … 74015.html
The idea is centered upon the hope that flying the flag would symbolise 'Integration' and 'Pride' at being both Australian, and Muslim. The Lebanese Muslim Association says the plan should become mandatory for all new churches, mosques and other places of worship built, but that it should be funded by the Federal Government. The spokesman from the Islamic Friendship Association, Keysar Trad, said "There is no nationality before God", that this would politicise places of worship, and that there was no need for such a measure.
I personally think the plan reeks of political symbolism, and a poor attempt to cover over the cracks that are appearing between some in the Muslim community and what could loosely be called "mainstream Australia". The rule of law in Australia will always come into conflict with the more extreme branches of Islam, like Wahaabism, which dictates that listening to music and looking at photographs or drawings containing people are forbidden.
Mandating the flying of the Australian Flag at places of worship is something that would fail to develop the strong ties needed between Australians of all nationalities. Having an Australian flag flying over a church, or mosque or synagogue, has no real effect on the people that worship inside.
News Sources:
Radio National:
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/s … 850364.htm
SMH:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/ … 74015.html
