We Denounce Sheikh Feiz's Rape Remarks

To:  citizens of Australia

"As an Australian Muslim I am deeply concerned at the comments of Sheikh Faiz Muhammad, who teaches at the Global Islamic Youth Centre in Liverpool in New South Wales, and who told a public meeting in Bankstown on March 18 that a rape victim had no one to blame but herself.

I believe it is inappropriate and incorrect to suggest that if a woman does not dress appropriately then she is in some way responsible for what happens to her.

I think the responsibility for an evil act such as rape lies solely at the feet of the person who commits it, and that there is never an excuse for rape.

I am against tarring all Muslims with the same brush. I fear reprisals against the Muslim community, and especially women who wear the veil and may be subject to verbal and physical harassment.

I urge the media and the community to adopt a balanced approach to this issue and not use this as an opportunity to incite further hatred of Muslims. Several media commentators are to be commended for keeping a level head at a time when such issues could be sensationalised.

I call on my brother Sheikh Faiz to retract his statements on this issue as I believe the current statement blemishes the good work he has done to help many young Australians get their lives back on track."

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The We Denounce Sheikh Feiz's Rape Remarks Petition to citizens of Australia was created by and written by Australian Muslims Network (aali@alghazzali.org).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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