New Muslim group launches campaign against same-sex marriage
Australian sheik Shady Alsuleiman.
The Australian
8:00PM September 20, 2017
A new Islamic organisation, led by sharia law advocate Zachariah Matthews and outspoken sheik Shady Alsuleiman, has kicked off its political advocacy by denouncing a push for same-sex marriage.
The Muslim Political Action Committee (MPAC), which appears to have been established last month, is arguing against changing the Marriage Act, saying marriage between a man and woman was best for society.
A statement, endorsed by Billal Khoder, a teacher at Sydney’s Malek Fahd Islamic School, flags concerns that same-sex marriage could affect religious freedom, a recurring theme that has been raised by many faith groups leading up to the plebiscite.
“MPAC supports the No vote on the basis that marriage constitutes the union between a man and a woman, and is the best way to structure the family unit for the overall benefit of society,” it said.
“MPAC is concerned that if same-sex marriage is permitted, attempts will be made to introduce into schools in particular, programs that families may not be free to opt out of on moral or religious grounds.
“(It) is also concerned that attempts will be made to legally sanction and punish opponents of same-sex marriage as has already occurred in some countries where same-sex marriage has been legalised.”
Sydney-based Muslim educator Zachariah Matthews.
The statement comes as Islamic leaders ramp up their campaign against same-sex marriage. Keysar Trad, of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia, has launched a national tour, urging Australians to vote against changing the status quo.
The MPAC, according to its Facebook page, comprises concerned Australian Muslims dedicated to “engagement in Australia’s political landscape”.
“MPAC’s objectives are the achievement of fair representation and equitable service for all communities in relation to political and related matters,” the site says.
The group plans to encourage Muslim candidates to stand for election and support candidates who are responsive to issues of concern to Australian Muslims.
Its chairman, Dr Matthews, is a Sydney-based Muslim educator and community advocate, who has previously served as the president of the Australian Islamic Mission and was a board member of the Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advocacy Network.
He has been described as a supporter of sharia law, after appearing at an open day at the Lakemba Mosque in 2010 where he spoke about the potential for sharia to be recognised as a secondary legal system so that Muslims were not forced to act contrary to their religious beliefs.
He has since backtracked, arguing that the Muslim community was so small, any bid to incorporate sharia, had little to no chance of gaining traction.
The group’s deputy chairman is Sheik Shady Alsuleiman, the founder of one of Australia’s largest Muslim youth centres in Sydney and a former member of the Australian National Imams Council.
