Banning Christmas

Submitted by Kuranda Seyit (Australia), Jul 11, 2007 at 02:46

This issue arose several years ago when the reporter Anita Quigley deliberately misquoted and changed the article to misrepresent the truth.

Let me state it unequivocally and categorically that the article did not represent my views. I have never called for a ban on Christmas. This is absurd. I have for many years celebrated Australia's religious diversity and believe in the freedom to practice your own faith and celebrate your own religious festivals.

Do a quick search on Kuranda Seyit and you will see the first thing that comes up is the Goodness and Kindness Project which I helped found and ran for four years. The Goodness and Kindness Project involves a Muslim and a CHRISTIAN and a Jew who talk about the importanace of respecting one another's festivals and customs.

This is why it is absolutely wrongful to suggest that I would call for a ban on Christmas. At the time it was just simple Sunday Mail propaganda looking for some controversy. Of course, we all know that the tabloid press is notorious for sensationalising the news. What better headline than Muslims trying to change our way of life?

It worked and to this day many people have used this erroneous article against other Muslims, unfairly. I regard myself as a sensible and fair person and with a some intelligence. Does it befit my character to suggest to change Christmas to "winterval"? This is a concoction of the journalist at fault.

I did pursue this matter through the proper channels but to no avail as the Australian Press Council used many delaying tactics to make the complaint void.

Please do not use this article to justify any claims against Muslims. It is unethical.

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Daniel Pipes replies:

I have added a reference to this reply in my blog entry.