Religion and religious rules are only for consenting adults. A state that stands by and allows it to be foisted on anyone else fails to uphold its duty of care for human rights. This is especially so of religions with a history of enforcing their rule over people's lives through the coercive powers of the state. Islam has such a history.

Right, so according to Halduell the 2 massive contributions of Islam to the West are the zero and potential sexual modesty.

Joe has pointed out the lie of the zero, although it is a fitting symbol of islam.

As for the type of sexual modesty islam has to offer, we all know the way women, gays and anyone who differs from the procreative missionary position, are treated 'under' islam. That is, badly, usually fatally.

I look at islam and conclude there is nothing islam contributes to the West, a vastly more civilised set of values; given that why should the West entertain any adoption of Islamic values.

Those sections of the community who have capitulated to islam through only stocking halal foods deserve condemnation.

@halduell: "And today, what has our embrace of sexual immodesty added to our lives?"

I can't speak for you, but personally it's added a great deal to mine. But of course it sounds a lot worse if you call it 'immodesty' rather than 'letting people do what they want to'. And that's the trouble with religions -- they get very upset at the idea that people should be allowed to do what they want. That's why they need to be fought.

@Joe (and others)
Point taken regarding the origins of zero, and thanks for the correction.
No point taken regarding the lack of modesty in our western world. We compound our error of always searching for a quick fix without a degree of modesty in all our interactions.

Shadow Minister, (Monday, 15 April 2013 8:15:06 AM)

And

tomw, (Monday, 15 April 2013 9:23:17 AM)

both have it right.

This has no more to do with introducing Shariah law into Australia than allowing Halal restaurants or "ethical investment" products does. Mr. Wakim's suggestions to the contrary are disingenuous to say the least.

Big fuss about nothing.

Loudmouth,

The invention of zero is not so simple. There are indications the Babylonians may have come up with the zero as placeholder even before the Hindus. Below a link to a brief history of zero:

http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/HistTopics/Zero.html

No Government, Religion or individual has ever let Religion interfere with making themselves a Buck.

The Alphabet is Phoenician & the Zero is Indian & Mayan. Like all peoples The Arabs built on these & then the West built on their knowledge. The others fell way behind because their inventiveness was destroyed by their religious Dogmas & Customs.