Halal Certification link to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Dee Ellis was a NSW Senate Candidate for the Secular Party of Australia at the last election. Dee is particularly concerned that religious organisations continue to receive government funding and tax breaks, despite the fact that many discriminate against women, gays and other groups. Furthermore, some of these religions also commit human rights violations. Dee would prefer such funding instead to be channelled into more scientifically proven areas and worthy causes such as secular education and health. This would benefit all Australians regardless of their background. Dee is dedicated to exposing and speaking out about all oppressive religious practices.

Synopsis:

The majority of Australian meat, and other groceries, are now halal certified. A significant proportion of Australian halal certified fees go to the World Halal Food Council in Indonesia, run by Indonesia’s most senior Islamic organisation, MUI. MUI have in the past released a fatwa endorsing female genital mutilation (FGM) and also managed to get an FGM ban overturned. UNICEF figures show that at least 49% of Indonesian girls have undergone FGM. Furthermore, as reported in the Guardian, an Islamic foundation, subordinate to MUI, pay and organise for mass FGM ceremonies to be performed on Indonesian schoolgirls.

Dee will expose further the links between Islam, female genital mutilation and halal certification. This event is not about demonising cultural or progressive Muslims, but discussing what we can do to stop funding the genital mutilation of young girls.

Entry to this event will be $5.00 for supporter members of Sydney Atheists and $10.00 for non supporter attendees. Annual Supporter membership is only $20. To become a supporter member, please go to:http://www.sydneyatheists.org/p/donations-and-membership.html

Please RSVP here:  https://www.meetup.com/sydneyatheists/events/237762516/

Letter to Coopers Brewery

Dear Sir / Madam,

Sydney Atheists have been very supportive of Coopers beers as a local producer of beer. We are an organisation with thousands of members and associates. 

We are a non-profit organisation that provides a sanctuary and fellowship for people who have escaped from religions that include Judaism; Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox Christianity; Jehovah's Witnesses; Mormonism; Sunni, Shiite and Wahhabi Islam; Hinduism; Sikhism and many others. We provide education to our members on topics as varied as science, technology, philosophy, psychology, various religions and of course atheism. We see our role as making the world a better place by helping people out of delusion.

We are concerned and distressed to learn that you support / or have supported the Bible Society.

We see all religious texts and all religions as deceitful belief systems without scientific or rational bases. They lead to indoctrination and fraud. They lead to hate and the fracturing of society, not to mention intimidation, murder and genocide.

Your position leads us to consider boycotting your product.

If you would like to be even handed and morally conscienable, we would appreciate a donation from you, just as you have donated to the Bible Society.

Our bank account details are: BSB 112-879 Account Number 410 136 189 

Your donation would of course be both appreciated and promoted.

Yours sincerely,

Steve Marton

President on behalf of Sydney Atheists