When Australia’s first Muslim front-bencher was sworn in – hand on Qur’an – some went to his Facebook page to express outrage
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 2 July 2013 12.53 AEST
The historic swearing in of Australia’s first Muslim frontbencher as a parliamentary secretary has been marred by vitriolic and bigoted abuse posted on his Facebook page.
Ed Husic, federal Labor MP for Chifley, was appointed on Monday as parliamentary secretary to the prime minister, Kevin Rudd, and parliamentary secretary for broadband.
Husic, the son of Bosnian migrants, was the first MP to be sworn in to federal parliament by the chief justice of the high court with his hand on a copy of the Qur’an.
The religious text belonged to Husic’s father.
The governor general, Quentin Bryce, said at the time, “It is a great day for multiculturalism.”
However, on Monday evening and Tuesday morning Husic’s Facebook page was flooded with posts from people – some using pseudonyms – expressing their outrage.
Most were written under a post from the Blacktown, NSW MP, which read, “Proud to have been chosen as the PM’s parliamentary secretary – and over the moon to be parliamentary secretary for broadband.”
“This is disgusting. How dare you disregard Australia’s constitution like that. Absolutely sickening. Do we begin the push for sharia law now? Not at all happy. Definitely will not be voting for you,” wrote Carrie Forrest.
Another, who went by the name Gypsy Moon, wrote: “Why did you insist on being sworn in with a Koran? I am offended that any federal member would not pledge allegiance to our country and queen, [but] to a pseudo religion that has its own political system and law agenda.”
However, between the attacks were messages of support.
“Still think you should [have] got a cabinet position mate. But congrats, you deserve it! It’s sad these so-called Christians are using the Bible to inspire hatred. Hypocrites much?” wrote Adam Edward Owsinski.
At the time of the swearing in, Husic downplayed his religion but conceded it was potentially a significant moment for the Muslim community.
“Given my background, there are some people taking a small slice of pride or happiness,” he said.
Also
‘Shame, shame, shame’: Australia’s first Muslim frontbencher abused for taking oath on Koran
Now for some of the rest of the hate comments
Anna Dean has learnt nothing. By the way moron, there is no Constitutional mandate for the manner in which MPs are sworn in.
The Government takes its lead from the courts in this matter. Service personnel and judges also take an oath (or affirmation if they are non-believers)
Carrie Forrest underwent a miraculous transformation today. After some unwelcome media attention she morphed into Carrie Strong.
What a shame she couldn’t change the Facebook URL. And what a shame she cannot not vote for Ed Husic – because she lives in Adelaide.
Here’s Carrie Strong Forrest or Carrie Forrest Strong.
Please point to the part of the Constitution which states that Australia is a Christian country. Please point to the part of the Constitution which states that Australia is a country of any particular religion.
Now read this
Now Bill you can shut up!
We are not aware that Al-Qaeda terrorists swear oaths but obviously Clara has some inside info. Maybe the AFP would like to talk to her?
Oh look here’s Bill yet again.
What makes Bill think he speaks for the Australian people? He looks like yet another failed bigot to us.
The dog is cute.
This fake better go tell the local courts then. No doubt she (?) is very familiar with them.
And this one alleges he is Aboriginal. We doubt it very much.
We don’t care whether you are Anglo, Aboriginal or purple with pink spots. If you are a racist or bigot you don’t belong here!
Brainless bogot “Petal Blossom” hides out in a number of anti-Muslim hate groups. Perhaps she should rename herself Toxic Weed. It would be most appropriate.
“Petal Blossom” is Lulu Gray from around Adelaide, a great fan of the street rabble that is the ADL.
Say hi to Lulu. She really doesn’t look like that.
Why do these clowns all remind us of characters in Snowtown?
We are fairly sure where Andrew likes to put his hand after seeing his profile pic. Here he is.
You actually ARE hate-filled bigots.
Here is someone else who won’t be voting for Ed. Why? She lives in the Northern Territory and her business is here.
you said it... 