Prime Minister responds to Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman’s controversial invitation to Kirriitle
Source: news.com.au
PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull has admitted he did not know about hateful comments made by a controversial Islamic preacher until he was dining with him.
Mr Turnbull had dinner with Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman, the national president of the Australian National Imams Council, at Kirribilli House on Thursday night.
The sheikh was among a group of religious leaders and prominent Islamic Australians to attend the Iftar dinner to mark the holy month of Ramadan and promote cross-cultural relations.
The Australian-born Sheikh Shady has previously said AIDS is a divine punishment for homosexuals and adulterers should be stoned to death.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/federal-election/prime-minister-responds-to-sheik-shady-alsuleimans-controversial-invitation-to-kirribilli-house-dinner/news-story/60fc2a50e41506afd5c0f7bad8d38c76
The Australian-born Sheikh Shady {president of the National Imams Council } has previously said AIDS is a divine punishment for homosexuals and adulterers should be stoned to death.
Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull: (His comments) were drawn to my attention during the dinner, he told Mitchell. My staff alerted me to that after The Australian newspaper had contacted them.
Maybe its time hire staff with a basic level of competency?
Mr Turnbull said he knew about the sheikhs comments on homosexuals but was unaware until now of his stance on adultery
What? So his comments on homosexuals was OK. But the Adultery stance was unacceptable? WTF? Is this political amateur hour?
Mr Turnbull: Mitchell asked the PM if the sheikhs comments were reflective of wider problems with Islam. The prime minister said he did not believe that was the case.
I dont want to buy into a theological debate, he said. It would be a great pity if the invitation of this individual overshadowed and undermined the importance of engagement with Muslim Australians.
Inviting someone to dine with the highest political official in a country gives them your support. Support which gives them much, much more credibility.
rpannier
(24,329 posts)Well... no.
Nothing makes me miss Abbott