Society of Australia Inc. - Upholding Australian Values

Society of Australia Inc. - Upholding Australian Values -

Q on: The Rule of Law and Freedom of Speech

Q Society upholds the rule of law as a fundamental Australian value and recognises that no democratic nation can exist without it. Needless to say, we reject any allowance for followers of Islam in Australia to be governed by Sharia law in priority to our secular laws. By the same measure, we also disagree with certain existing laws. In particular, we want to comment on the counter-productive and draconian Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 (the "RRTA Act") in Victoria - otherwise known as "Victoria's Blasphemy Law".

Our Rights and Position Most readers would remember the RRTA Act test case of "the 2 Dannies" and this sorry chapter in Victorian legal history. Although the case was a long and messy affair for all concerned, ultimately it had the initial effect the complainants were after: To make Victorians think twice before telling the truth about Islam and to fear the hassle, costs and slander of such audacity as much as any potential penalty.

Notwithstanding such intimidation, Q Society will discuss matters pertaining to Islam and exercise our human and legal right to freedom of speech. This will, of course, be within the parameters of the Victorian legal framework and with due regard to the responsibilities that freedom of speech brings. We note that the Bracks Government promised Victorians the RRTA Act would not threaten freedom of speech, that it struck a "balance" between robust and important discussion on controversial topics and vilification of others. Q Society respects the need for such balance, the threshold of which though is not silence on Islam. To be silent would be to accept the death of freedom of speech in Victoria; and to assume those promises made to protect it, were just lies.

Our Commitment to the Law The RRTA Act requires us not to, on the ground of the (lawful) religious belief or activity of another person or class of persons, engage in conduct that incites hatred against, serious contempt for, or revulsion or severe ridicule of, that other person or class of persons. It is difficult to honestly and openly discuss many elements of Islam without someone unintentionally feeling these emotions. On that basis, we accept that alleged breaches of this section will probably be levelled against Q Society from time to time. However, if this happens, we have no doubt that Q Society's conduct will fall within the exceptions.

Section 11 permits conduct engaged in reasonably and in good faith in the course of any statement, publication, discussion or debate made or held, or any other conduct engaged in, for any purpose that is in the public interest or in making or publishing a fair and accurate report of any event or matter of public interest. Q Society will always act reasonably and in good faith and our commitment to this is found extensively on our website. There is little need to discuss whether Islam is in the public interest. Every available test confirms this, there being few other issues in Australia today that can lay claim to being more in the public interest.

Our Message Q Society will not encourage or "incite" others in breach of the RRTA Act. We will, however, discuss Islam, including its legal code Sharia law and Islamic political, cultural, economic, social or religious practices that we genuinely believe seek to undermine Australian values.

We will not generalise or assume guilt by association. By the same token, we also ask those Muslims doing so not to demand it both ways, to be justifiably concerned with generalisations about Muslims yet force us to generalise that all Muslims are like those put forward as successful and integrated. If there are problems in certain sections of the Muslim community, we will discuss these as we would discuss problems in any other group.

Contact: [email protected] - voice (02) 8006 1525 - fax (02) 8008 1529 Letters: Q Society of Australia - PO Box 1228 - Altona Gate – VIC – 3025 © Q Society of Australia Inc - Form Q110XXXRX – Q Position Paper Society of Australia Inc. - Upholding Australian Values -

If anyone feels emotions of anger, or of being incited or provoked into negative feelings against Muslims because of Q Society's conduct, then please immediately stop reading our material or participating in Q Society activities, take a breath and consider the following:

• yes, there may be elements of Islamic ideology and its expression in society that seem hateful, contemptuous, ridiculous or revolting; and • yes, it is hurtful that our "in denial" elites shoot the messenger rather than address an unwelcome Islamic ideology creeping into Australian society; and • yes, it is frustrating that the very ideologies requiring public debate are those succeeding in shutting down that debate; but, please understand that:

• any information you receive from Q Society is intended to educate, inform and intellectually challenge often incorrect and entrenched mindsets in our community, no matter how confronting it may sometimes be; • our topic is Islam, not Muslims, and certainly never all Muslims. Individually, Muslims may hold a particular belief which may differ from the discussion at hand or refrain from any particular Islamic practice; • it goes without saying that many Muslims in our community are law abiding, respectful and decent people who uphold Australian values; and • our message is serious and rational. We are not out to make fun of anyone nor seek to incite unhealthy emotions.

Yet we make no apology for what Q Society is trying to achieve. We want change in Australia when it comes to the place of Islam. If you still remain emotionally "incited", then please discuss this with a member of Q Society who can help you put the issue of Islam into the right perspective and context.

Compliance Q Society has undertaken internal compliance measures to avoid breaching the RRTA Act. This would not be necessary, and we would naturally comply with any relevant law, were it to operate fairly or logically. Our compliance measures are undertaken to ensure we are not tripped up by the ridiculous "truth is no defence" rule and the finer detail when trying to navigate this badly drafted law.

If you genuinely feel that Q Society has breached the RRTA Act, then you are welcome to make contact with us to discuss exactly how you feel we have done so. If we accept in good faith that a potential breach may have occurred, then we will deal with the issue appropriately. We live in a civilised society, we want to deal with differences of opinion in a civilised and non-litigious way.

Though please keep in mind, Q Society will not be bullied, we will not be silenced because the truth offends some people, we will not be intimidated and we will stand firm in our defence of Australian values and our protection under Australian law.

There is more information available on our website. Please feel free to contact us with any question you may have, and if you would like to support Q Society and our volunteer work