BOAZ_David. My husband has also never laid a finger on me and we have known each other since our teens. Nearly 30 years. That is what is normal. It goes without saying. That some think otherwise is a concern.

On my topic: I fear that I do not have the strength to take on the matter with the Halal meat. I am already fighting the system in relation to other issues, allegations and complaints and I cant take on any more at this stage.

This Halal meat issue is a very serious problem because it sets a precedent. If the Muslim belief is strong enough to encrouch on the belief of others and they get the rights then, if they challenge, they will always win. Eventually it becomes a take over by Stealth. If that is the right way to use the word stealth DAVID. But I hope you know what I mean.

I have nothing against Muslims, I have a Muslim brother in law, nephew and neice. I just have a problem with some of the ways of those that are somewhat extreme and I dont ever want to ever live like that. I fear that in order not to offend them we will be expected to sell our soul.

Forgive my facetiousness Boaz, but my first thought when you said...

>>my wife has had 28 yrs with me without a finger being laid on her, not even wishing to.<<

... was yep, I bet she's on her best behaviour at all times, knowing the guy she's with is the sort that beats adolescent girls.

But that is simply too low, even for me.

have a great day

yes Pericles.. it is too low, but its ok.

Jolanda.. it sounds like you might benefit greatly from a support group of some kind.

May I ask, if ur involved in any Bible study or home fellowship group ? I am and it provides great enouragement and a place to blurt out one's frustrations and victories..and experiences, and receive comfort and encouragement.

I think these days, battles cannot be fought on our own.. we do need to have fellow soldiers.
If I was in Sydney, I'd be quite happy to make a bit of a fuss on your behalf :) maybe ask the shop owner whats going on..and stand outside the shop with a sign.. or who knows.. there are many 'ways and means' of getting the story awareness raised. Why not write to the Daily Terrorgraph and tell them ? They tend to drool over that kind of thing. (its worked for me in the past)
Without going into detail here, lets just say.. if ur interested in just how much can be done.. and what impact can be acheived, I can share it with you.
You could ask Graham to forward your email to me and use this as my authority/permission for that, then I'll let you know.. its quite staggering actually.
Be strong.. and be encouraged, you are not alone in this.

Yes David, I would benefit from a support group but not of some kind – of the supportive fellow citizens kind. Unfortunately more often than not it is lacking.

I am so disappointed with the way Australia has been heading and it’s such a shame

Of course with the Internet things are changing as more people communicate and absorb other views. This means there is hope.

I don’t have the strength to take on the Halal issue. There isn’t enough support out there. It's just banging your head.

My head is already very battered and bruised.

I have a blog where I set out my travels and I have an email address there it's called Education - Keeping them Honest http://jolandachallita.typepad.com/education/

My second wife, who, like me, originally came here from England, learned Belly Dancing and became very good at it. She had the looks and the ability and a partner [me] who isn't jealous by nature. As some of you may recall, I sadly lost her a few years ago. [I am now fortunate to be in a long term loving relationship with a delightful Japanese lady, who is a trained Japanese and Asian cook, and foodwise this has added a new dimension to my life.]

My second wife performed at many functions where it was obviously appropriate to have Halal food and that never made any difference to either of us, or apparently to any other non-Muslims who happened to be there. There was always food which we enjoyed and we also enjoyed trying some types of food which may have been new to us. I see this as one of the advantages of living in Australia.

I suppose I've never really thought about the possible implications of eating Halal food, but I don't see that there are any. If I do anything in my normal life which doesn't [to me] adversely affect me in any way, but perhaps makes others feel comfortable, then I'm happy to fit in.

And if I was involved in the hospitality, entertainment or food industries, then I'd do my homework and provide Halal food if I thought it was to my financial advantage to do so. Yes, as easy as that!

What does concerm me is religious attitudes, often minority ones, which are forced onto the wider community and really do adversely affect people who see things differently. Situations which come to my mind include the refusal of Australian governments to legalise voluntary euthanasia and the generally ridiculous attitude in Australia which prevents the provision of free beaches [clothes optional] in many areas.

Rex if those of the Muslim religion want everything to change to suit them as it makes them happy then what? At what point do you stop it.

We are setting a precedent that is not in our best interest.