Belly,
Thanks for that link.

Dear Col,

Yes , sometimes easier said than done.

There are many type 2 about but the government seem to do zero about the type 1.

Shall ponder the answer i hope

Under Sharia law, as I understand it, a woman's testimony is worth half of a man's. This has enormous ramifications, which could inadvertently influence legal testimony in Australian courts

Dear Danielle,

Yes that is correct but not all follow it. Here in Australia its interesting to watch the outcome of the two cultures. Muslim women are taking full advantage & asking permission to divorce much more. Mosques are very busy & most of them get consent . No doubt there are aware in Oz they really need not ask. So in keeping with keeping them in the flock very very few are rejected. I reckon at this rate they may have to consider another way- maybe online register because the volunteers wont be able to keep up to demands. What maybe could be looked at is the weddings though for men wanting 5 of them. I once asked when people were speaking of wives being faithful to their husbands if the wife too was allowed five husbands Is he was 5 wives:)
Well someone had to ask. One Muslim gentleman complained speaking of cultures that he hated burkas because the women got to perve on them-- but they couldn't return same.
So reckoned he wanted them banned for equal rights for men.
There are some very nice open Muslims too

Dear Kerryanne,

Of course there are very nice Muslims around - indeed we have had Muslims here since the nineteenth century, and who were important in Australia's history. Muslims are certainly not new to this country.

The problem that seems to be emerging is that moderate Muslims don't express themselves publicly when something we find disturbing arises (and undoubtedly they do to). The consequence of this is that the general public see Muslims as a monolithic group, with fundamentalist attitudes.

Moderate Muslims really need to be more forthcoming.

Most Muslims came to this country to escape the worst facets of Sharia Law. In a recent thread on this topic around Family Law and Divorce, and having done a bit of legal research since, it is already legal and appropriate for people to come to their own arrangements during divorce proceedings.

The Courts only become involved if there are disputes and where arbitration is needed. Sharia Law adds nothing to this and Muslims have as much right as any other citizen to access the secular Australian legal system.

There is no benefit in having different laws for different religions - this goes against secular democratic principles, and will set up all sorts of disadvantages for those who may feel forced to accept conditions that are less than acceptable or equitable.

Individuals are already free to make their own decisions in this sphere, there is no need to enact Sharia Law or any other Law that deviates from the rights of all Citizens to be able to access the Courts.

If there are positive aspects to some elements of Sharia Law then encourage people to learn about them and perhaps if there is enough support these ideas can be legislated for the benefit of all citizens. It should not be assumed that all of Sharia Law is 'bad' despite much of it working against the rights of women. Most Muslim women I have met have been those working in the public service and I have not men one yet that is pushing for Sharia Law.

Pelican,

<< “Most Muslims came to this country to escape the worst facets of Sharia Law”>>

You just made that up –how would you know that ?

<< Most Muslim women I have met have been those working in the public service and I have not men one yet that is pushing for Sharia Law.” >>

Maybe you need widen your circle of acquaintances ( choose anyone –except the guy asleep in the middle, third row)

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/taking-liberties-in-the-name-of-islam/story-e6frezz0-1226086915724