Australian Muslims fear proposed bill banning symbols could create problems for innocent people

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) – Muslim groups in Australia have expressed concern over a bill prohibiting the use of the terrorist group Daesh/ISIS symbol, which contains Islamic words in its flag insignia, fearing that local authorities may misinterpret it and cause problems for innocent people.

Prior to introducing the bill, the government engaged in consultations with the Australian Muslim Advocacy Network (AMAN) and reached an understanding regarding the distinction between the terrorist organization Daesh/ISIS and the Islamic faith.

"We've seen it in the remarks of the Attorney-General ... recognizing that IS has been a scourge on the world, but also particularly been a scourge on the Muslim community," AMAN policy advisor Rita Jabri Markwell told SBS News.

“There is a whole bunch of everyday religious material that is so sacred to us as Muslims, which may be confused by police and by other members of the public," she feared.

Australia has proposed a bill to the parliament that criminalizes the public display and trade of prohibited symbols, including the Nazi hakenkreuz, the Nazi double sig rune, and the so-called Daesh/ISIS flag, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said on Wednesday.

“The bill aims to combat harassment and vilification of specific communities in Australia, including those targeted by Nazi, neo-Nazi, and Islamic State supporters through public display offenses,” Dreyfus said in a statement.

“The government acknowledges the differentiation between the terrorist organization and the respected Islamic faith in Australia's multicultural society,” he added.

In March, the ruling Labor party dismissed an attempt by the coalition to outlaw Nazi insignia. Instead, they opted to subject the proposal to a parliamentary inquiry, aiming to stem any unanticipated repercussions.