'Shame, shame, shame': Australia's first Muslim frontbencher abused for taking oath on Koran
The Prime Minister's new parliamentary secretary, Ed Husic, has been subjected to a torrent of abuse online for being sworn in to his position with a Koran.
Mr Husic became Australia's first Muslim frontbencher on Monday when he was appointed to Kevin Rudd's new-look ministry as parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister and parliamentary secretary for broadband.
"This is a wonderful day for multiculturalism, and everything it stands for in our country," Governor-General Quentin Bryce told Mr Husic during the swearing-in ceremony in Canberra on Monday.
However, after receiving dozens of messages of congratulations on his Facebook page, the comments quickly turned to disgust and outrage that he had chosen to be sworn in on the Muslim holy book.
Some called it un-Australian and unconstitutional.
"Our allegiance should have been to Queen and Country first Ed. That means saying the oath on the holy bible not the Koran.... Shame, Shame, Shame," posted one user, Ross Peace. "I am so disappointed in this government that they don't have the spine to stand up for the Australian way of life."
Another user, Therese Pearce*, said she was "disgusted and embarrassed" for the Australian people.
"Hell i might just have to use snow white and the 7 dwarfs next time i take the oath for australia," she posted.
One user, Anna Dean, claimed his decision to be sworn in on the Koran undermined "our culture and country and constitution in this way".
Another user, Carrie Forrest, accused him of disregarding Australia's constitution and pushing for sharia.
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