Nile questions premier’s representative on failure of hate laws
In the NSW parliament The Rev Fred Nile has asked Duncan Gay representing the Premier about Sheik Ismail al-Wahwah of threatening “the ember of jihad against the Jews” continuing to burn.
The matter related to a hate video uploaded featuring the Hizb ut-Tahrir leader earlier this year…an incident currently being investigated by Attorney-General Gabrielle Upton’s department following the failure of any charges being laid against the preacher.
The incident was highlighted by an interview conducted by 2GB’s Alan Jones with Vic Alhadeff, CEO of the NSWJBD which can be read here.
The question and answer in Parliament:
The Rev Fred Nile
Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE: I ask the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, representing the Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney a question without notice. Will the Minister confirm that not one of the 15 unanimous recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for the reform of section 20D and related sections of the Anti-Discrimination Act have been given effect? Is the Minister aware of an incident that took place in Sydney in July 2014 in which a hate preacher known as Sheik Ismail al-Wahwah accused Jews of corrupting the world “in every respect”, describing them as “the most evil creature of Allah”, and threatening that “the ember of jihad against the Jews will continue to burn. Judgement Day will not come until the Muslims fight the Jews”. Does the Minister believe that it ought to be a criminal offence to threaten, intimidate or substantially abuse any person or group on account of their race or ethnic background? If the answer to the last question is yes, when will the Government act to make such conduct a criminal offence?
The Hon. DUNCAN GAY: I thank the honourable member for his question. This morning on radio I heard concerns being voiced by the Jewish Board of Deputies about this. I found the concerns expressed in such a mild and measured way by the spokesperson on behalf of the Jewish Board of Deputies quite alarming. This is not acceptable to any member of this House. I am informed that the Attorney General is looking into this matter—as we should be—but I am not aware of the detail. I will take the question on notice and refer it to the Premier as I have been requested.
