From today's Sydney Morning Herald:

At least one Muslim leader has branded Sheik Taj el-Din al Hilaly "out of line" for his comments in blaming immodestly dressed women for sexual assault.

The former secretary of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, Shujat Mantoo, said the sheik was probably out of line, but he defended his right to stay in Australia.

"There would be many people like [the sheik] who uphold those views, and there would be among mainstream Christians, but we don't simply deport them. We educate them," Mr Mantoo said.

Sheik al Hilaly's comments were delivered in a Ramadan sermon to 500 worshippers in Sydney last month, a newspaper report said.

He blamed women who "sway suggestively" and who wore make-up and no hijab [Islamic scarf] for sexual attacks. …

Continue reading →