Sophie slams cleric’s rant

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 23 Jan 09

Marital rape, violence "not acceptable" here

SOPHIE Mirabella (MHR, Indi) has described comments made by a Melbourne Islamic cleric about raping and hitting women as outrageous, disgusting and unacceptable in the 21st century.

In a recorded lecture entitled, The Keys to a Successful Marriage, Samir Abu Hamza said it was impossible for a man to rape his wife even if she refused to have sex.

He also outlined the ways in which it is acceptable for a husband to hit his wife if she is disobedient.

Mrs Mirabella, the Federal Shadow Minister for Women, said rape or violence, whether in marriage or not, is not acceptable by Australian standards.

"All women, whether they are born here or choose to make Australia their home, no matter what their religious background or cultural upbringing, have a right by Australian law to live in peace," she said.

"Those who violate these laws need to feel the full force of them when they do so."

Mrs Mirabella said she joined the vast majority of Australian Muslims in condemning the comments.

"All fair minded Australians would be horrified to read the comments of Abu Hamza condoning behavior which is so diametrically opposed to our way of life," she said.

The cleric’s comments come only a few weeks after a report by the Islamic Women’s Welfare Council of Victoria showed some Muslim leaders in Victoria condone rape in marriage, domestic violence and the exploitation of women.