Australian Muslims Abused

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Courtesy Of: United Press International

Jan 2, 2007, 3:21 GMT
http://upi.com

SYDNEY, Australia (UPI) -- Muslims in South Australia are being racially abused like never before, an Australian government report said. The finding prompted the government`s Equal Opportunity Commission to launch a new program to work more closely with the Muslim community.

'A small minority is behaving in an unacceptable way towards newly arrived Muslims,' said Equal Opportunity Commissioner Linda Matthews in the report.

'For generations, South Australian Muslims have been an integral part of our community. But in the last five years, the heightened global attention on Islam has seen local Muslims singled out for unfair treatment like never before, IANS reported Monday, quoting the Australian newspaper.

The EOC was established in 1986 by an act of the Australian parliament to investigate discrimination on grounds of race, color or ethnic origin, racial vilification, sexual harassment, marital status, pregnancy or disability. It also contributes to a tolerant, equitable and democratic society through public awareness and other educational programs.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International