Comments on Muslim attire draw ire of politician

Sydney

A suggestion made by a member of an Australian state parliament, Rev. Fred Nile, that authorities ban Muslim women from wearing traditional dress in public in case they were hiding explosives or guns has drawn strong criticism. “Such remarks are inconsistent with the Christian gospel of freedom and peace,” said Rev. James Haire, president of the Uniting Church in Australia. “We support the right of Muslim women to wear whatever clothing they feel is appropriate in accordance with their beliefs.” Mr. Nile is a retired Uniting Church minister and a Christian Democratic member of the upper house of the parliament for the state of New South Wales.