By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
THE Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) has called for calm in the wake of the National Anthem debate involving a Cranbourne primary school.
The ICV released an official statement on Monday in which ICV secretary Kuranda Seyit said the group did not want the incident to “divide Australians”.
“The national anthem is important to all Australians, including Muslims,” Mr Seyit said.
The ICV was responding to Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School’s decision to allow Islamic students to leave a Year 2-6 assembly to avoid singing the Australian National Anthem, citing Muharram – a religious month of mourning for Shi’a Muslims.
Over the last week, the issue has been covered on several television networks, on 3AW and ABC radio, drawn comment from opinion writers and national columnists, and even a response from Senator Jacqui Lambie and Federal Treasurer Scott Morrison.
It was also debated on the ABC’s Q and A program, and Channel Nine’s new equivalent, The Verdict.
Star News broke the story last month after Lorraine McCurdy, whose grandchildren go to the school, attended the school’s assembly and was concerned by the staff’s decision to give Muslim students the option to not sing the national anthem.
She said about “30 to 40” Muslim students left the assembly.
In its statement the ICV said the incident was a “departmental matter” and they would allow the school to deal with the issue.
“We will provide advice to the Department of Education in subsequent years, but ultimately it is their decision,” the ICV statement said.
Education Minister James Merlino last week threw his support behind the school, saying the school had shown “respect and sensitivity to the different cultures and faiths within its community”, and that the action of the students “was not a sign of disrespect”.
Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School principal Cheryl Irving said the decision was made in adherence with Muharram – the Islamic month of mourning associated with Shi’a Muslims in which they do not participate in “joyful events”.
“Muharram is a cultural observation marking the death of Imam Hussein,” Ms Irving said.
“This year it falls between Tuesday 13 October and Thursday 12 November. During this time Shi’a do not participate in joyful events as it is a period of mourning.
“This includes listening to music, attending parties, wearing nail polish or make-up, etc.
“Prior to last week’s Years 2-6 assembly commencing, an announcement was made advising anyone participating in Muharram, that it was an opportune time to leave the hall as music was about to be played (the National Anthem).
“Anyone who was unable to listen to music due to this cultural observance was given adequate time to comply with their religious belief.”
