Rally Opposing Religious Vilification Law Draws 2000 in Australia

by Peter Stokes, Salt Shakers

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA -- An unprecedented line up of speakers and around 2000 Victorians let the Victorian government know that they were very unhappy with the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act outside the Victorian Parliament at Lunch time today.

Some speakers called for a total repeal of the law; most called for the religious aspect of the Act to go.

Clearly this number of people turning up to speak and protest should send a loud message to the Bracks government that tinkering at the edges is not enough and that Victorians are concerned about the impact of the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act. 

The Coalition maintains that the best way to develop harmony in the community is through education and urging people to get on together, not by encouraging people to make complaints against other people and organisations.

Thirteen speakers addressed the crowd. A petition containing 17,000 signatures was presented to Members of Parliament. (More than 10,000 signatures have already been presented to the Parliament - making a massive total of over 27,000 signatures.)

Federal Treasurer Peter Costello provided a statement that was read out at the rally opposing the religious vilification law.

The diverse group of speakers included two senior legal counsel (Peter Faris QC and Brain Walters SC),  indigenous pastor Peter Walker, MPs Peter Ryan (Nationals), Russell Savage (Independent) and Andrew McIntosh (Liberal). Candidates from the Greens, Family First and CDP also spoke.

Cr Rob Wilson, a Labor councillor and Deputy Mayor of Casey gave details of the case brought against him and Pastor Danny Nalliah spoke of the restrictions on freedom of speech.

Two Christian ministers, one from the Uniting Church (Rev John Blaze)and one from the Presbyterian Church (Rev David Palmer) also spoke.

Source: SaltShakers.org.au