Gordon Moyes Says ‘Ban the Burqa Bill’ is Nile Election Ploy
Parliamentary Leader of Family First NSW Gordon Moyes believes that the introduction of the ‘Summary Offences Amendment (Full-face Coverings Prohibition) Bill 2010’ by Reverend Fred Nile is a move for short-term political advantage. He said, “The seeking of long-term reconciliation and community harmony should be the first response of a Christian Democrat. I would ask the Reverend Nile to assist Muslims to receive genuine equal opportunities that are not sabotaged by racial snobbery.”
This issue is made more serious with the CDP (Fred Nile Group) having candidates for both Federal and NSW elections. This means candidates such as the Mayor of Shoalhaven, Cr Paul Green, will have to repeat the Party mantra of “Ban the Burqa”. France recommended banning the Burqa in public buildings to respect the rights of women and, second, as a question of security. Banning someone from wearing a veil is not respecting a woman’s rights, but exactly the opposite: It is a blatant act of disrespecting her right to choose what to wear.
“If Reverend Fred Nile bans the burqa, is he any different from the Taliban who force women to wear it? Why is the Reverend Nile not directing his attention to banning things like tobacco and alcohol which have debased many people and destroyed families?” Dr Moyes asked. “I would ask the Reverend Nile, what next? The banning of Motorcycle Helmets because they cover the face in full, or perhaps the banning of a Nun’s Habit?” said Dr Moyes. There is a need to enter into dialogue with the Muslim community instead of being an alienating force to that community.
Dr Moyes said “Reverend Fred, it is time you stepped out of the Muslim woman’s wardrobe and directed your attention to some real issues. It is time for you to cease encouraging some of the worse elements in Australian society, whose desire is to cause social disruption and racist conflict.” Reverend Nile needs to be a Christian seeking reconciliation rather than encouraging rednecks and racists. He needs to allow the people concerned to express their own opinion even if that is different to his. That is the meaning of being a Christian Democrat.”