George Galloway in Australia - 2013

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Visiting British MP warned against inciting violence
Christian Kerr
The Australian
April 30, 2013

FIREBRAND British MP George Galloway plans to visit Australia in July, prompting a warning from the government against inciting violence and vilification. The former Labour left-winger who was expelled from the party for his outspoken opposition to the Iraq war now leads the Islamist-backed Respect party. He has called for a global alliance between Islam and the Left to fight "the Zionist occupation, American occupation, British occupation of poor countries, mainly Muslim countries".

Mr Galloway has been invited here by Diaa Mohammed of MyPeace, the man behind the "Jesus: a prophet of Islam" billboards that appeared in Sydney in 2011. Mr Mohammed said details of the tour were yet to be finalised, but he did not see Mr Galloway as a divisive figure. "We have a few events planned and thought George could make a positive contribution," he said. "I don't think he's any more controversial than Geert Wilders," the Dutch MP who has campaigned against "Islamisation" of his nation. An Immigration Department spokesman said Mr Galloway had not yet applied to visit. The spokesman said if he was not paid to speak, Mr Galloway would not need a visa.

A spokeswoman for Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor dismissed the matter as "hypothetical", given that no application had been lodged. A spokeswoman for Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus warned "public speakers should respect the cultural diversity that exists in Australia". "It is important for everyone to remember that Australia has strong laws against inciting violence and racial vilification," she said.

Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Julie Bishop said that while she strongly disagreed with Mr Galloway's views on Israel, he should not be prevented from entering Australia. "After the hysteria from activists aligned with Labor and the Greens during the recent visit by Geert Wilders, the challenge . . . will be whether Mr Galloway is similarly targeted for what many regard as his extreme views," she said.

Liberal senator Corey Bernardi echoed her remarks. "It will be interesting to see if . . . their tolerance is only extended to those they agree with," he said.

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So the headline is a lie and the Australian government hasn't actually warned him about anything. This could be a bumpy ride over the next few months!

[gordonrussell]

GG at this year's Edinburgh Fringe :

[MegaChairmanMao]

Yesterday:

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nice one

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hopefully the speeches will be online before long

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