AhlulBayt News Agency

source : ABC
Wednesday

15 September 2010

7:30:00 PM
205522

Bare skin ban for Muslim pool event

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has banned people exposing their shoulders and thighs at an event at a public swimming pool in Dandenong, in Melbourne's south-east.

According to Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA.ir) – The Dandenong City Council and the YMCA applied for the ban to be implemented during swimming lessons for Muslim women scheduled for next August.

It will apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims attending the event.

The vice-president of the Victorian Islamic Council, Sherene Hassan, says she does not support the restrictions.

"I basically believe that individuals have the right to wear whatever they'd like to wear," she said.

"I understand the organisers of this event have good intentions. They want to bring Muslims and non-Muslims, but my preference would be no dress code stipulated for non-Muslims."

Victoria's Equal Opportunities Commissioner says the ban must be put into perspective.

Helen Szoke says the restrictions apply to a two-hour, after hours swimming session, targeted at multi-faith groups.

"People are not obliged to attend, minimum standards of dress are very common and where minimum standards of dress are identified on occasions it's often to allow people to participate," she said.

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