Here we go, Formal submission to introduce Sharia Law.

Why come here if you want to live under sharia.

I think they see themselves as pioneers for Islam.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/muslims-use-multiculturalism-to-push-for-sharia/story-fn59niix-1226057100331

I did not even know there was an Inquiry underway, wonder what the recomendations will be in relation to this?

I introduced this subject into the thread about channel 4 and Muslim schooling.
I agree Banjo, still totally do.
Lets be careful however, it asks for a form of Sharia , a moderate form, part of it.
In a country that tells its first people they can no longer live by laws they had century's before we came here.
Not on your life ever .
This country should never bend to any minority wants and wishes.

Dear Banjo,

This is definitely a big concern. A system of laws based on religion.
Where will it end? It would be a bad precedent to set. You live in this country - you obey its laws. It's that simple. The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils should be given a firm no.
Changing family law and specifically in regards to divorce - could disadvantage Muslim women. As I've stated - we don't want to go there.

Lexi,
It is indeed of concern. You specifally mentioned divorce, which reminded me of a report written by the Victorian Muslim Womens Association about the conduct of some Muslim males, where their wives had obtained a divorce.

It was leaked that these men were going to their former wives abode and demanding sex, claiming they were still married, under Islam. It was quickly hushed up. In our eyes, this is rape.

The Vic Muslims Womens website was shut down for a while and nothing more was heard about the report, which was delivered to the government. The report, instigated by government, has never been tabled or its contents revealed. It is pigeon holed.

You may recall this matter as it would have been about 3-4 years ago.

One has to wonder about the conduct if these males think they have even more power under Sharia.

We cannot stop the Islamic community putting a submission to the government and can only wait to see the recomendations that will come.

And people in this modern age still question the advantages of secularism and question why many argue against religion in schools. This is exactly the risks we take when there is no separation of Church and State.

Quoting from the article: ""Therefore, Muslims Australia-AFIC takes the position that Islamic law is changeable according to the requirements of different places and times, and therefore suits the values shared by Australian people," the submission says."

If Islamic Law is changeable according to the requirements of different places and times why is it so necessary to introduce Law based on a set of religious beliefs that conflicts with the current legislation. If there are shared values why the need for change?

Muslim women and men are due the same rights and protections as anyone else living in this country. While I am sure the proposal is not going to advocate stoning or other barbaric practices it does nothing to facilitate integration.

One nation one law. The judicial system is not a supermarket that one can go and shop randomly and choose the law that best suits them. What if the husband and wife disagree on an issue of Law, does the family follow Islamic law or Australian Law.

A uniform system of justice is the only way to ensure all people regardless of gender, race or religion have equal rights and protections.

Let's hope nobody seriously entertains this divisive proposal.

Dear Banjo,

I don't recall that particular case that you speak of - however the Islamic Council will not get to first base in this matter because our law is quite clear regarding religion and secular government.

All Australians are free to follow any religion they choose, so long as its practices do not break any Australian law.

Australians are also free not to follow a religion. We have secular government and no official or state religion. Therefore I don't see parliament passing laws based on any religious beliefs. Governments in this country treat all citizens as equals regardless of their religion. Religious laws have no legal status in Australia - therefore accepting any form of religious law would be counter to our basic tenant of equality under the law.

All Australians are equal under the law which means that nobody should be treated differently from anybody else because of their race, ethnicity or country of origin, because of their gender, marital status, disability, or because of their political or religious beliefs. Under our law Government agencies and independent courts must treat everyone fairly.

The process of divorce and related matters, such as custody of children and the settlement of property can only be done in this country in accordance with the laws passed by the Australian parliament. All Australians are entitled to the protection of these laws - therefore I can't see a religious law such as Sharia becoming legal in any shape or form as religious laws have no legal status in
Australia. For this to change would be setting a very bad precedent -which I'm sure no rational-thinking person would want.