More anti-dhimmitude from Australia, where it is getting to be quite a common sight. From Australia’s ABC News, with thanks to Rosie:
Federal Treasurer Peter Costello has called on Islamic societies to disconnect church from state.
Mr Costello has said Islamic states should adopt a secular view free of all religion, in an address to the Australian Christian Lobby at a Christian Conference in Canberra today.
He also says Muslim societies should allow robust debate, after reaction to comments made last week by Pope Benedict XVI that sparked outrage across the Islamic world.
“How can one religion exercise the freedom to speak on its values, its faith, without prompting a violent response from other religions?” Mr Costello said.
“It can only happen where we all accept a set of rules, the right to freedom of speech without receiving violence in return.”
Mr Costello says separating religion from government allows religious freedom.
“Now, I have argued that separation of church and state is good for both and further consistent with Christ’s teaching,” he said.
“I believe that a secular, national state can be adopted by Muslim societies and what is more, in doing so, will lead to greater technological and economic progress.”