Ruddock's speech insulting and unnecessary: Brown
The Attorney-General's lecture to Muslims celebrating the end of the Haj yesterday ("When you are Australian...you have
a responsibility to uphold the laws of this country.") was insulting and completely unnecessary, Greens Leader Senator
Bob Brown said today.
"Muslim Australians are proud, law-abiding citizens who do not need to hear patronising comments from the
Attorney-General about upholding the law or practising tolerance," Senator Brown said.
"Did Mr Ruddock make similar comments to Christians at Christmas, or Jews during Hanukkah? This was a celebration of
faith, certainly not the place for Mr Ruddock's patronising display.
"The Government needs to foster the strong ties the Islamic community works hard to maintain with them and the wider
community, instead of alienating them," Senator Brown said.
The Greens join the Muslim community in celebrating the end of the Haj.