We humans assume too much.2%DNA difference between us and the Chimps?
There may or may not be a"Supreme Consciousness" however it is the height arrogance to assume we have a special relationship that gives us eternal life.I think is is about time all religions grew with the discoveries of science and yes be willing to admit that the Bible or Koran are not factually correct.There may be more universes than ever we could to begin to contemplate.We are minnows in a sea of ignorance.

Seems to me that the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act could well be religious persecution. Premier Bracks would repeal this law if it covered political tolerance as well. Considering the vilification, deceitful 'spin' and ridicule politicians dish out to opponents I'm sure he would realise the hypocricy of the politicians who supported this Act.

And doesn't the Islamic Council of Victoria look like weak muslims. If their belief in Islam is so weak that they can't handle criticism in what used to be a free speech state then I'm sure their Allah would be very dissappointed in them

I am going to have to agree with the authors of this article.

With the greatest of respect to the Judge, courts and the legal system in general, I must ask how qualified a judge is to preside over issues of religious interpretation? Should he or she be extensively schooled in the interpretation of the Koran and of its law's and other writings, or should they be a graduate of seminary?

Similarly should this precept of legal involvement and cries of vilification extend to every time an educator in our universities or school's decrees (From their atheistic or otherwise outlook) that all theists are crazy and a burden on society? Should we charge every lecturer who declares their hate for Christianity and Islam and who attacks them with little or no basis? (Having been in our universities this is a surprisingly regular occurrence)

I for one, say that we shouldn't. Whilst vilification laws are clearly required in our nation to prevent harm from coming to people, I would have to commend the foresight and wisdom of the West Australian model for this, which allows for the freedom of debate of matters of religion and philosophy, whilst still enforcing racial and gender equality.

We should not have in our nation the sort of legalities that we see in countries like Sweden, where pastors can be tried and convicted by a secular court on their choice of sermons. There we see a Pastor; having presented the biblical view on homosexuality with 65 references to scripture, having his preaching called 'hate speech'. Should our courts act as 'Sermon Review Boards' for all religious activities? I would contend that if the secular is arguing for a separation of church and state, then clearly not.

I think your all missing the point. The judge didn't make any judgment about religious interpretation, he made a judgment on the law. Unless you are a member of a minority then you'll find it hard to understand. You say that Christian have leant to be thick skinned(I'd say they haven't),Well that is the whole point of the law. People should not have to be thick skinned.

Yes Two Bob I do think everyone is able to form their on viewpoint but I don't believe they have a automatic right to tell everyone else what it is.

This whole idea that a irrational religious fanatic can dump on a another brand of irrational religion in a impartial manner as well irrational.

Some good good comments here especially from Two Bob and Anti-green.

Were the Muslims in attendence really so offended as to take legal action against this church, or was it a political statement. I believe the latter. I believe it is an effort to shut down the free speech we have enjoyed in our country for many years. I can't believe this is happening in Australia in 2005. Our rights are being taken from the very Courts that are meant to protect them.

Christians cop abuse regularly (as an example, see comments on Christians in "The religious Right cannot hijack values" in this forum) without taking the matter to the Courts. It is called free speech and sometimes it is unpleasant. I don't believe the Pastors was plotting suicide attacks on innocent people. I don't believe the Pastors were plotting to cut off people's heads. I don't think they were hunting people of other religions such as Jews to kill them. These are the attrocities going on that I find offensive. Let's keep these things in perspective. There are some big issues out there, and Pastors critical of Muslims is NOT one of them.

Mike I think you have been watching to much US telly. We have never had freedom of speech in Australia. Show me the law in any time in the history of Australia that gave Australians the right to free speech. Christian groups regularly go to the courts for things they don't like. They also use pressure groups to try to influence polly's and the uninformed (you) using misinformation. Are any of these atrocities you speak of happening here in Australia?