loquasagacious
NCAP Mooderator
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- 2004
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=24228AAP said:Govt accuses One Nation of racism
18:22 AEDT Wed Dec 8 2004
The federal government has accused One Nation of an obscene act of anti-Semitism and referred it to the human rights watchdog.
One Nation's official newspaper, The Nation, blames an international Jewish conspiracy for forcing the government to adopt tougher internet censorship laws.
"There is irony in the fact that the pornography industry is owned and run almost entirely by Jews," the article says.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Peter McGauran said the article confirmed One Nation was run by racists and he had referred the article to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC).
"It is an affront to the overwhelming majority of Australians and, left unchecked, is a potential threat to social cohesion," Mr McGauran told AAP.
He said he would not preempt the action of HREOC but hoped it would highlight the vile nature of the article.
He said One Nation members should also express their outrage.
"I would call on those members of One Nation who are as disgusted by the blatant anti-semitism as any other fair-minded Australian would be to take action within their own ranks," he said.
"I would especially call on (Senator) Len Harris to dissociate himself from the undeniable anti-semitism and take action to ensure it is never repeated."
He said Jewish Australians had worked hard to promote understanding and respect for all religions and cultures.
Mr McGauran said he was not attacking One Nation to make a political point.
"I might strongly disagree with its views and policies and directions but they have, for the most part, operated within the accepted standards of political parties," he said.
"But this obscene anti-semitism is repugnant to all Australians and has no place in our political system and cannot go unchallenged."
Comment was being sought from Senator Harris and One Nation.
Finally is all I can say.