Australia To Islamists: Love It Or Leave It

As Chickpea would say, tough but fair:

The Australian government has stepped up a campaign against radical Muslims, saying those wanting to live under Islamic law or refusing to accept "Australian values" should leave. At the same time, it plans to monitor mosques to ensure that radical messages are not being taught.

Prime Minister John Howard said Thursday the government wanted "to penetrate the Islamic community and to try and get to the people who are preaching support for terrorism" to ensure that youngsters in particular were not being influenced.

He said he was not perturbed by competing religious claims -- people saying their religion was superior and labeling others infidels -- "but when it comes to praising people who are clearly terrorists ... that is not okay."

In an earlier radio interview, Howard said the government realized it could not change the minds of "hardened fanatics." They had to be identified and acted against. The main aim was to prevent those extremists from influencing young and impressionable Muslims.

Asked whether the authorities would keep a watch on mosques and Islamic schools, Howard replied: "Yes, to the extent necessary."

The government had no desire or intention to interfere with the practice of religion, "but we have a right to know whether there is, within any section of the Islamic community, a preaching of the virtues of terrorism, whether any comfort or harbor is given to terrorism within that community."

Members of Howard's cabinet also weighed in against those in the Muslim community holding radical views.

"If you want to be in Australia, if you want to raise your children in Australia, we fully expect those children to be taught and to accept Australian values and beliefs," Education Minister Brendan Nelson told reporters Wednesday.

Those who did not want to live by Australian values "can clear off," he said.

posted by Ace at 10:33 AM

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