Aust.: Ruddock insults Muslims on the Haj

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.

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