| “It is time for the government to act decisively with concrete legal protections and leadership.”- Dr. Rateb Jnied |
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AFIC Stands with LMA and Calls for Immediate Action Against Rising Islamophobia
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) expresses its full support and solidarity with the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA) following a hate-filled threat sent to the Lakemba Mosque this week.
This disturbing incident is part of a sharp and deeply worrying escalation in Islamophobic attacks targeting Muslim individuals, institutions, and communities across Australia in recent weeks. What was once a steady undercurrent of bigotry has surged into open hostility and incitement and it is clear that much of this has been enabled by a permissive political and media environment that has normalised hate.
“These are not isolated events. They are the consequence of years of inflammatory rhetoric, unchallenged racism, and a failure by governments to treat anti-Muslim hate with the seriousness it deserves,” said Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC. “It is time for the government to act decisively with concrete legal protections and leadership.”
AFIC echoes the LMA’s call for urgent legislation that protects Australians of all faiths and backgrounds from vilification and abuse. We also join the call for an end to political scapegoating, media dog-whistling, and selective outrage that treats some communities as more worthy of safety and concern than others.
The continued silence of political leaders in the face of this rising hate, or their vague platitudes about “unity” without action, is no longer acceptable. Every day that hate speech is tolerated is a day that communities like ours are left vulnerable.
AFIC calls on all levels of government to:
• Acknowledge the specific rise in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate
• Introduce strong protections against religious vilification in line with protections on race and ethnicity
• End the practice of favouring one faith or ethnic group over others in public discourse and legislative focus
• Take a zero-tolerance approach to incitement, harassment, and threats against religious communities
Muslim Australians are not asking for special treatment just equal protection under the law. The events of the past month, including the horrific attack on an imam in Victoria, targeted abuse of mosques and schools, and now this latest threat, show that the time for polite appeals has passed.
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President
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