ABC RADIO

Posted: Wed, 27 Nov 2002 11:00 AEDT

Call for local councils to condemn Nile's Muslim dress comments

A local council in Sydney's west has publicly condemned Christian Democrat MP Reverend Fred Nile for his comments last week that Muslim women should be banned from wearing traditional dress.

Mr Nile said head scarves and full robes should be banned because they are the perfect concealment for weapons and explosives.

Fairfield councillors have decided to write to Mr Nile to express their views the comments were bigoted and fundamentalist.

Cr Thang Ngo has urged all New South Wales councils to do the same.

"In particular, councils with high amounts of Muslim Australians and I'm talking about Bankstown, Canterbury, Auburn, even Parramatta," Cr Ngo said.

"At this time, this is when their residents and their community need them most.

"The councillors should show leadership and let the community know that they believe that Muslim Australians deserve a fair go just like everyone else."