Mr. Dutton's controversial comments, made last month, sparked outrage as he expressed his concerns about a potential Labor government involving Muslim candidates from Western Sydney. The Alliance Against Islamophobia, founded to combat anti-Muslim hate speech, has lodged a complaint with the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board, accusing Mr. Dutton of religious vilification. The group alleges that his remarks have dehumanized and vilified Muslim candidates based on their religious beliefs, creating a negative perception of them in Australian society.
The complaint also includes a secondary grievance, accusing Mr. Dutton of promoting groups that propagate divisive foreign ideologies and religious intolerance, such as far-right Hindu extremism. Solicitor Rita Markwell, representing the alliance, described the complaint as a landmark case that highlights the unlawful nature of inciting hatred or contempt based on religious background. The alliance seeks a conciliation meeting to address their grievances and repair the relationship with Mr. Dutton, emphasizing the need to combat anti-Muslim hate speech and harmful narratives about Muslim Australians.
Furthermore, the complaint referenced Mr. Dutton's response to criticism from Muslim Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja, where he clarified his stance on Islamic faith but raised concerns about foreign allegiances. The alliance criticized this response, stating that it misrepresented the solidarity of the Muslim community and perpetuated harmful narratives about foreign interests and allegiances among Muslim Australians. The ongoing controversy and allegations against Mr. Dutton highlight the importance of addressing religious vilification and promoting inclusivity and understanding in Australian society.