Muslim community members demand apology from ABC over Q&A debate

Senator Jacqui Lambie's comments were 'racist, Islamophobic and crude', an online petition states.

Numerous Muslim community members are calling for an apology from the ABC over Monday's episode of Q&A.

Numerous Muslim community members are calling for an apology from the ABC over Monday's episode of Q&A. Source: Q&A / ABC

Muslim community members are demanding an apology from the ABC over a heated debate on Monday's Q&A episode, which saw a  between Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie and youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied.

"We demand an apology from Q&A for its poor handling of the debate and for its failure to uphold its values of respect and integrity," an  reads.

It appears Ms Abdel-Magied has not publicly endorsed the petition or asked for an apology, and could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

The petition has been signed by the Australian Islamic Mission, La Trobe University Islamic Society and numerous members of the Muslim community.

"Lambie used undignifying, demeaning slurs that were personal attacks against Abdel-Magied and her integrity as a Muslim woman," the petition reads.

"We wish to remind Q&A that Yassmin’s appearance in itself is brave as it puts her in danger of being a target to online fascists who are relentless in attacking public Muslim Australian figures, and particularly Muslim females."
The petition said the program breached its stated aim to provide a "safe environment" where people can "respectfully" discuss their differences.

Debate between Senator Lambie and Ms Abdel-Magied over Sharia law.

“The fact is, we have one law in this country and it is the Australian law – it is not Sharia law, not in this country, not in my day” Senator Lambie said, drawing applause.

“In Sharia it says you follow the law of the land you are on,” Ms Abdel-Magied said.

As the pair shouted over each other, Senator Lambie demanded an answer to why women are treated like second class citizens, and “why gays are killed”.

“That is not my religion,” Ms Abdel-Magied said, as Q&A host Tony Jones intervened.

“Can I just say that shouting at each other is not going to help – so please stop,” he said.

Ms Abdel-Magied followed up her appearance with a video for an online news organisation explaining what Sharia law is.

"Sharia is not a system of laws like Australia’s legal system is a series of laws that everybody must obey - Sharia is about a Muslim's personal relationship with their god," Ms Abdel-Magied said.

Sharia law is not a parallel legal system, she said.

Senator Lambie said she accepted her words could come across as hateful to a minority.

“But the majority want to feel safe, be safe," she said.

“Stop playing the victim, we’ve had enough ... Your ban got lifted, get over it – it hasn’t hurt you at all.”

The petition characterised Senator Lambie's comments as "racist, Islamophobic and crude".

"If Q&A wants to invite Muslim individuals to its forum, it should be able to guarantee a safe environment," the petition states.

The ABC could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

At 9am Wednesday morning, the petition had more than 900 supporters.

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3 min read
Published 15 February 2017 9:18am
Updated 15 February 2017 9:34am
By Ben Winsor


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