The problem with the Australian Muslim community are its "leaders".
A Melbourne Muslim girl condemned by Islamic leaders for entering a beauty pageant has defied protests to be shortlisted for the Victorian final.
A spokesman for Melbourne cleric Sheik Mohammed Omran last week branded the competition, which involves swimsuit parades, as a "slur on Islam". And Victorian Islamic leader Yasser Soliman said the contest did not conform with the teachings of the Koran.
Well...a lot of things don't conform with the Koran, Omran, old boy.
But most of us don't require a book to do our thinking for us.
Mr Ahmet said the family respected their religion, but his daughter was entitled to participate.
"We are not flying any flags, we are Australians first and foremost," Mr Ahmet said. "We live in a democracy, we respect the religion as well, and they are good kids and come from a good upbringing."
That's the smartest thing I've heard all week.
Posted by Quentin George at August 28, 2006 08:56 PMWho elects these "leaders"?
Posted by: Engels at August 29, 2006 06:02 PMI think they're self appointed.
A better question would be, "Why are they given air time?"
or even
"Why aren't they earning a living doing something more suited to their talents? Like standing on a street corner burping, for one."
Posted by: Aidan at August 29, 2006 06:22 PM