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Independents call for end to Racial and Religious Tolerance BillGippsland East MP, Craig Ingram, has supported a private members’ bill calling on the Bracks Government to repeal the Racial and Religious Tolerance Bill. By Craig Ingram - 21st July 2005 - Back to News Speaking from Parliament today, Mr Ingram said the Bill had created further division in society since it was introduced in 2001.
"Instead of stopping the problem it has created an even bigger platform for radicals to use it for the wrong reasons," he said.
"The call to repeal the Racial and Religious Tolerance Bill was made this week by my independent colleague, Russell Savage, and was drafted as a joint effort between us.
"There have been several examples in the media of late which clearly demonstrate that this legislation is having the opposite effect it was originally intended to have.
"I opposed the legislation when it was introduced in 2001 and remain convinced that it will do more damage than good.
"There is no disagreement that there is a need to discourage abuse and discrimination in the many forms it takes including discrimination based on where we live.
"This should not be through legal processes, but by education and example. "As I stated in 2001, this legislation is not the best way to deliver what we all want to achieve: a more harmonious and tolerant society," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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