Media release

For immediate release, Wednesday June 22, 2005

Judgement Day in Controversial Victorian Case

Today, Wednesday June 22, is a landmark date in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) at 55 King Street Melbourne, 10am when Judge Michael Higgins will hand down the remedy/penalty in the controversial Racial and Religious Vilification case involving the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) and Christian group, Catch the Fire Ministries (CTFM).

The case, which has drawn the attention of the international community, brings into the global spotlight the merits, or, perhaps, demerits, of Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act introduced by the Bracks Government in 2001.

A similar type of law has been introduced to the British Parliament's House of Lords since the Blair Government was re-elected, and is currently being considered in NSW's state Parliament.

Although there will be a judicial review in the Supreme Court of Judge Higgins' earlier findings that Catch the Fire Ministries president Danny Nalliah and speaker Pastor Daniel Scot 'vilified' Muslims during a seminar in 2002, in a newsletter and in an article on the group's website. What has been at stake in this hearing is a larger issue not only of freedom of speech but the liberty to discuss and dissect differing opinions.

"Truth is no defence under this law. Certain aspects of Islam, and indeed other religions, cannot be held up to scrutiny under it. One has to be very selective about what one can say or read about Islam, even if such material can be found to be true," Pastor Daniel Scot said.

"If somebody feels offended and vilified by a statement about their religious beliefs, although that belief could legally be voiced prior to the introduction of this legislation, the 'offending' statement must now be silenced," Ps Danny Nalliah said.

While proponents laud this law as necessary to promote religious harmony, its history proves that it is creating more and more division between religions within society. The law has instead seen a rise in litigious cases in the state, with a paedophile witch and a secret occult society both seeking protection under it.

There are currently two other cases in VCAT under this legislation. A paedophile witch inmate from Ararat Prison has brought action against the Salvation Army for hosting an introduction to Christianity course known as ALPHA, claiming it vilifies witches when it quotes from the Bible.

In another recent case yet to go to a directions hearing at VCAT, occult group, the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO) has lodged a complaint against Dr Reina Michaelson, who campaigns against child sexual abuse.

The OTO base their beliefs on the 'Book of the Law' written by Aleister Crowley who called himself the 'Beast 666'. This 'Book of the Law' includes statements about blood rituals and the sacrifice of children pointing to such things as "the fresh blood of a child". It is alleged that Dr Michaelson attributed ritual abuse of a child to the OTO in an article on a website.

A variety of groups in Victoria are calling for the repeal of the religious vilification laws because of the religious discord it is causing in the community.

The situation in VIC is also causing concern in NSW where Peter Breen, a member of the NSW Legislative Council has lodged a similar Private Members Religious Tolerance Bill.

Neither side of this vilification case against CTFM are sure what remedy will be imposed today.

"The ICV have asked for a variety of public statements acknowledging that vilification has occurred. Both Ps Scot and I have decided that, although we are sorry that they felt offended by what was said, we won't apologise for discussing their religion." Pastor Danny said.

"We believe that the freedom of speech in discussing matters of truth and religion are more important than politically correct legislation that stifles expression of beliefs," Pastor Danny said.

Pastors Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot are available for interviews

after the remedy.

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