John Howard: “They’re not heavy, they’re my (exclusive) brethren”

They don’t allow entertainment, read novels, eat with infidels, attend university, allow membership of secular organisations, allow the wearing of shorts, watch films, listen to the radio, watch television or allow the use of mobile phones. Their women cover their hair, dress conservatively and only marry within the faith. They are opposed to homosexuality and environmentalism. They are isolationists that view other Australians as being corrupt. Their critics charge them with undermining democracy by funding covert smear campaigns.

Despite that, the Prime Minister John Howard has come out in defence of the Exclusive Brethren and their right to practice their faith.

“Well, they are different,” he told Satirical Muslim. “And perhaps some would say they follow a more narrow interpretation of the Christian religion than others, but I respect their right to have it.”

“They strike me as a little unusual, but that is their right and it should be respected. It shouldn’t be the subject of some vilification campaign against them.”

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said in an interview with 2GB this afternoon, that there continues to be a small minority of Muslims that had failed to integrate adequately.  They continue to speak their languages, visibly practice their religion, and tend to congregate around mosques.

“Well, they are different,” he told Satirical Muslim. “And perhaps some would say they follow a more narrow interpretation of the Islamic religion than others, but this is 21st century Australia and we can’t accept that.”

“They strike me as a little unusual, and they shouldn’t see the freedom to behave this way as a right. We need a concerted campaign to encourage them to integrate.”

We asked the defacto leader of the opposition, Peter Costello to comment on Howard’s remarks.  Mr Costello declined to comment except to say, “What he [Howard] said.  But ruder, harsher and with a lot more aggression.”