There has been much discussion in the last few days regarding Sheikh Taj el-Din Al Hilaly’s comments regarding the behaviour of young ladies and sexual assault. One of the more amusing responses was the title of this post. I think the person was confusing Australia with the US. People often invoke their right to free speech. The problem with that is two fold. We have no constitutional right to free speech and second – even in the US that right is limited.
However, there is freedom to express opinion in this society with a few limitations. As long as you do not slander or incite violence you are free to say what you like. In my opinion what the Sheikh was purported to say was absolutely and totally wrong. Rape is a heinous crime and the attire of the victim should not come into it. There – I have said my piece, and exercised my free speech.
One further thing – why are people at all surprised? I have heard interviews with Al Hilaly and what he was purported to have said was entirely consistent with his philosophy as I had interpreted it from seeing him being interviewed. Have the people who are expressing surprise now had their heads buried in the sand? No they not read the papers or watch current affairs programs? He restated what he truly believes – it may not be what we believe – in fact what the vast majority of us believe – but that is his position. Why are we shocked that this attitude exists? Rampant racism still exists – both inside and outside the migrant community – why be surprised. Is it right that these attitudes exist – of course not but they do.
Don’t act all concerned and surprised when the obvious happens – that people state their opinion.