Report Shows Extent of Anti-Muslim Discrimination and Attacks

June 17, 2004

Source: The Australian

[theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,9864117%5E28737,00.html]

On June 17, 2004 The Australian reported, "Since September 11 and the Bali bombings, Australia's 300,000 Muslims have been living with ever-increasing victimisation. In shopping centres, schools and on streets, strangers have accused them of being terrorists or at least supporting their cause. Muslim men and particularly women, many identifiable by their hijabs or headscarves, have been verbally and even physically attacked. A Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission report released yesterday reveals just how deep the discrimination against Muslims runs. HREOC held 69 consultations with 1400 Muslims and non-Muslim Arabs in towns and cities around the country last year. Its resulting 214-page report is a slap in the face for an Australian society that prides itself on multiculturalism and tolerance. 'What we heard was often disturbing,' race discrimination commissioner William Jonas says. 'Drivers have been run off the road and pedestrians run down on footpaths and in car parks. People reported being fired from their jobs or refused employment or promotion because of their race or religion.'"