IN REESPONSE TO A NEWS ITEM THAT AN ISLAMIC GROUP WOULD ESTABLISH A POLITICAL PARTY
I've thought long and hard about this issue and have come to the conclusion that true democracy upholds the right of any group to take part in political activities, including establishing a political party.
There is no difference between an Islamic party, the Christian Democratic Party, Fred Nile's Call to Australia party or any other party built upon a strong foundation of core beliefs, regardless of whether those beliefs centre around a deity or not. As such I could not, in all fairness, object to a party formed by indigenous people, gays, the disabled, particular industries (eg teachers or doctors), or even a group with illegal foundations (eg the Marijuana Party).
The separation of church and state applies to the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government to protect the process of accountability that each must uphold. It cannot be applied to the pursuit of political expression and the freedoms of speech and association.
If a particular group wishes to establish a political party based upon their system of beliefs and the common bond of their association (just like the Australian Democrats and all other parties) then all the more power to them for taking part in one of the most open systems of democracy in the world.
Of course if they become merely a front for undesirable activities or promote policies of hate and intolerance as One Nation before them, then I will fight tooth and nail to see them fail.
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