Would Michael Cullen have the balls.......

**simo** · 14th November 2005, 13:29

Australian treasurer Peter Costello stated recently:

If you are somebody who wants to live in an Islamic state governed by sharia law you are not going to be happy in Australia, because Australia is not an Islamic state, will never be an Islamic state and will never be governed by sharia law.

We are a secular state under our constitution, our law is made by parliament elected in democratic elections.

We do not derive our laws from religious instruction.

There are Islamic states around the world that practise sharia law and if that’s your object you may well be much more at home in such a country than trying to turn Australia into one of those countries, because it’s not going to happen.

The first paragraph of this should be displayed in the arrivals areas of Australian airports.

**thehollowmen** · 14th November 2005, 14:48

Originally Posted by simo

We do not derive our laws from religious instruction.

uh say what?

**Lou Girardin** · 14th November 2005, 14:54

Originally Posted by simo

We do not derive our laws from religious instruction.

Thou shalt not kill?

**kerryg** · 14th November 2005, 14:57

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Thou shalt not kill?

Lou: the 10 commandments aren't the law (thou shall not covet thy neighbour's wife???)

**mangell6** · 14th November 2005, 15:20

Western laws were derived from religous laws, including "adultery" which was 'repealed' as a western law some time last century or the one before. Religous laws are generally based on an individual or group of individuals understanding of beliefs.

**kerryg** · 14th November 2005, 15:53

Originally Posted by mangell6

Western laws were derived from religous laws, including "adultery" which was 'repealed' as a western law some time last century or the one before. Religous laws are generally based on an individual or group of individuals understanding of beliefs.

Well, I agree that some of our underpinning values are from our Judeo-Christian belief system but it is a considerable stretch to compare Western legal systems to sharia laws. The actual aws that govern you and me come not from the Bible but mainly from case law and precedent and as such evolve to fit the standards applicable at the time (look at pornography or prostitution laws). Unless of course you're a Luddite or a flat-earther or summat. No disrespect intended.

**Indiana_Jones** · 14th November 2005, 15:56

Our laws arn't based on the bible as such I think, it's just in the same moral lines I feel. But I think he's trying to say we don't let the bible govern us

-Indy

**mangell6** · 14th November 2005, 16:17

No offense taken, how is this for meanings taken from www.dictionary.com

Religous = Extremely scrupulous or conscientious: religious devotion to duty ; Instruction = An authoritative direction to be obeyed; an order.

The latest laws passed in Australia and the US seem to be based on a devotion to ridding the world of 'terrorism".

Mike

BTW - It was scientifically proven that the earth was flat.

**Big Chim** · 14th November 2005, 16:33

I tend to agree with Peter Costello in the broader sense. I think that people who come to a country seeking a different life, new beginings etc often arrive settle down and often try to implement there own society into the one they have arrived in. I reckon that people who look to live in a different country are also accepting to adopt the new culture they are moving into.

I'm sorry if this comes across as harsh or offends

**mangell6** · 14th November 2005, 16:49

Nothing like being in Rome and acting like a Roman.

**madboy** · 14th November 2005, 17:57

Damn right. IMO when you emigrate to a country you accept that country for its values and customs. How would they feel if I moved to Iran and paraded the female members of my family around in skank pants and boob tubes (no disrespect to the skanks - I luv ya, really). Imagine the uproar!

The only way you can move to a country and impose your own culture is when you conquer that country... and it's not likely Australia (or NZ) will be conquered anytime soon. (Aside from the higher breeding rate among the dumbarses of our culture than the smart ones, but that's a whole nutha thread...)

**Hitcher** · 14th November 2005, 18:07

I would like to hear a Cabinet Minister in the New Zealand Government say that our government was secular...

**Jackrat** · 14th November 2005, 18:42

Originally Posted by Road Rash

I tend to agree with Peter Costello in the broader sense. I think that people who come to a country seeking a different life, new beginings etc often arrive settle down and often try to implement there own society into the one they have arrived in. I reckon that people who look to live in a different country are also accepting to adopt the new culture they are moving into.

I'm sorry if this comes across as harsh or offends

Yeah great idea mate,so how much Maori do you speak?
Harsh,nah just a bit naive.
damn near every new world society today is a result of the exact opersite of what your talking about.
Todays invasions are silent and todays gun is called PC.
An that's not short for Peter Costello.

**jimbo600** · 14th November 2005, 19:38

Well good on ya Mr Costello. Cullen aint got balls, he had them removed to the PM could have them attached to her already grafted member. All immigrants are welcome, indeed I am one of them, but don't bring your dirty laundry here and fuck it up for us all. If you don't agree with how we butter our toast here then there aint no-one stopping you from leaving.