Reverend Bill Crews has defended the Muslim community, after Pauline Hanson claimed there were “no good Muslims” and that suburbs like Lakemba – with a majority Muslim population – were unsafe.
The reverend said Hanson’s portrayal did not reflect reality, and posted a video from the Sydney suburb.
“Monday night, downtown Lakemba. Peaceful, like any other suburb of Sydney,” he said.
“People quietly going about their business, looking for something to eat, buying and selling in the shops — just relaxing, talking in the street, sharing with one another.”
He added that there was “nothing to be afraid of” and urged Australians to be “kinder to difference”, before encouraging others to visit the suburb.
“Come here and show those who want to spread fear that there’s no reason to,” he said.
“Not one where we attack people purely because they are different.”
Canterbury-Bankstown mayor Bilal El-Hayek, who represents Lakemba, told ABC Radio on Friday that the senator should be charged under hate speech laws for her comments.
“When you look at the hate speech laws, they’re quite clear,” he said.
“There is a specific reference made of public incitement of hated, discrimination or violence against particular groups based on race, religion or gender.
“Clearly, her latest target was Muslim people, and I have no doubt that her remarks will incite someone.”
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