Saturday, 23 November 2002

Media Release

UNITY Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo will move an 'urgent' motion in Council this coming Tuesday to condemn Upper House MP, the Hon Fred Nile's bigoted and fundamentalist views towards Muslim Women and their wearing of the Chador.

"As the most multicultural local government area in the State, I think Fairfield
needs to show leadership when it comes to ensuring all residents get a 'fair go'" said Cr Ngo.

Cr Ngo said it was particularly disappointing that the Hon Fred Nile has used NSW Parliament to attack defenceless women.

I know of at least three incidents which involved Muslim women being verbally or
physically attacked since Mr Nile's thoughtless comments on Wednesday.

Cr Ngo called on fellow councillors to support this motion and for it to pass unanimously.

Full motion wording follows:

That Fairfield City Council condemns and rejects the bigoted and fundamentalist views expressed by the Hon Rev Nile in NSW Parliament when he called on the government to consider banning Muslim Women from wearing the Chador because it may be "a perfect disguise for terrorists as it conceals both weapons and explosives" Wednesday, 20th November, 2002.

Further, that Fairfield City Council supports the right of all Australian women regardless of background to chose what they wear, including the right to wear a chador if that is their wish.