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News Media Releases Blow to Freedom of Speech: VCAT Verdict
Media releaseFor immediate release, 17 December 2004 Blow to Freedom of Speech: VCAT VerdictThere is concern that the VCAT verdict in favour of the Islamic Council of Victoria and three Muslim converts against Catch the Fire Ministries Pastor Danny Nalliah, and Pastor Daniel Scot is an attack on the very notion of freedom of speech in Australia. Salt Shakers CEO Peter Stokes said today's decision brings grave concerns about the implications of free speech in Australia today. "Freedom of speech is very important to this democratic nation. We think it's healthy to be able to critique the texts of different types of religion. There should be freedom of expression," Mr Stokes said. "With Judge Michael Higgins finding the two Christian pastors guilty of religious vilification, this is a blow on the freedom of speech which is very important in this nation," he said. "This finding means restrictions to any dialogue discussing various religions in different contexts, if someone from a particular religion takes offence at what is discussed, from pastors in their pulpits on Sunday mornings to private conversations. "We believe truth has been totally ignored by this verdict," Mr Stokes said. Melbourne-based Christian ethics group, Salt Shakers, has been documenting the case since its inception. No doubt the gaze of the international media will shift to Britain where similar anti-vilification legislation to Victoria has been proposed. Salt Shakers Research and Information Services - a division of Salt Shakers Inc.
Peter Stokes is available for interview.
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