I believe I am very tolerant, respectful and understanding of all different peoples in this world. I am intrigued and often influenced by many cultures. I would say I generally have eclectic religious beliefs. My children are getting older and asking a lot of questions. They go to a religious school and are also starting to make a lot of statements around these religious teachings. So "parental guidance" begins now. Knowing this would be around the corner, I have had to really dig deep to question myself, my feelings and my understanding, and then, how to explain this to them. So with much reading and research, I have come to understand this:
Religion, or spiritual awareness is a personal thing
Politics and Laws are not part of religion
Religion and Cultural beliefs should not be a place to hide behind or use as an excuse to harm others.
I welcome genuine refugees to this country. I am a member of UNHCR, World Vision, Oxfam and CARE. However, I do believe in what we hold dear in this country - FREEDOM. With this, it is simple, lets not muddy it with politics and other such matters.
When you come to a country for protection, you must respect our culture and values first. No-one denies that this will be difficult, God knows the whole situation is one fraught from difficulty. However, you must remember, the very reason why you seek our shore. It is because of our culture, our laws, our beliefs. It is because of these, (and perfect they are not) that you are safe to come to us for refuge.
So, there are consequences. We are failing these refugees, and so to our own community, if we do not have in place a system that integrates these people into our country. We must, and I emphasise MUST, get over the bullshit around whether they come or not, and make clear and very strict guidelines around assimilation. This does not mean they have to lose their roots, for Gods sake, its obvious we are very accommodating in that regard in Australia. And, I know that some will hate this - too bad. Assimilation, is not a bad thing. Recent piece by Mamamia , Melissa Mellham highlights the problems. Or at the very least "grey areas", that can occur when we don't have a program that teaches our newcomers what is acceptable in Australia.
Although, for me, it's quite clear. Esmatullah Sharifi , stalked and hunted these girls, covered their mouths (one victim in particular) and would have been damn sure they were not consenting. I can not believe that a judge is granting a right to appeal. Seriously, if its on the grounds of culture, that makes it even worse. It is basic instinct to know when you are forcing a creature against it's will, and there is no culture in the world you can hide behind for that.
I have friends that have different sub-culture beliefs to mine (around things I hold dear, like the environment). I believe in leading by example and I don't judge them, I love them for who they are and respect their sub-culture, because they are kind people.
Religion, Laws from Religion and other cultural beliefs should never rise above our laws. They should never be allowed to be used as an excuse to hide behind. I do not know how long Esmatullah Sharifi , has been in Australia. But I can bet you, it has been long enough to fully understand that it is NOT acceptable to touch anyone, in anyway, without consent.
Breath in and breath out !
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