MEDIA RELEASE
Burqa Bill Sees Light Of Day
Tuesday, 22nd June 2010
The Rev Fred Nile MLC, Leader of the Christian Democratic Party, has succeeded in introducing the ‘Summary Offences Amendment (Full-face Coverings Prohibition) Bill 2010' into the NSW Parliament. After months of being buried by the NSW Upper House, the Bill was introduced late last night amid howls of protests and invective characterization.
"I was quite shocked by the response of some on the members. I was merely seeking a short opportunity to argue the merits of having an open debate on the issue of identity-concealing face coverings being worn in public areas. The community have made it quite clear that they want a public debate on the issue. A national survey conducted by UMR Research found 60% supported the intent of the legislation. A poll by the Sydney Morning Herald received the same sort of response", said Rev Fred Nile.
However, many members of the NSW Upper House did not share Rev Nile's enthusiasm for the legislation with some visibly enraged by the mere thought of considering it in State Parliament. The response from the NSW Greens was particularly vitriolic as John Kaye spent his allotted time inferring that such debate was a slippery slope to civil war. Lee Rhiannon spent her time alleging that Rev Nile was inherently sexist and everything he does should therefore be dismissed out of hand and Sylvia Hale claimed the Bill was racist and demonizing, even though the legislation failed to mention or in any way elude to any race.
"It was disappointing that the NSW Greens and Dr Moyes again tried to prevent any debate on the issue ..apparently without having actually read the bill. But I commend the Government and Opposition for listening to the people", Rev Nile stated.
When asked why the Major Parties had suddenly changed their position Rev Nile responded "People power". "I think it was just a case of public pressure - the people of NSW exercising their freedom of speech and their Parliamentary representatives began taking notice. It wasn't me. I haven't done anything different I haven't before. My message has been consistent, for equality, freedom and security, there needs to be controls on concealing one's identity in public. Talk back radio like 2GB and print media like the Sydney Daily Telegraph were bold enough to report the issue and the public responded. I commend and thank those media organizations and the community for voicing their concerns. Although only a small step, this is nonetheless significant win for the people of NSW", Rev Nile stated.
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