Burqas will not be banned in New South Wales!! First step to sharia???

NSW Premier Kristina Keneally says her government will not support a ban on the burqa, the head and body veil worn by some Muslim women, because "such a ban has no place in multicultural NSW”.

Christian Democratic Party MP Fred Nile had called on both major parties to allow members a conscience vote on his private member's bill, which was introduced into Parliament in June.

“We are fortunate to live in a largely harmonious state where differences in language, culture and faith are rightly seen as things which enliven and strengthen our society,” Ms Keneally said.

“It is in this spirit that the NSW Government has decided to oppose the bill seeking to create a criminal offence of wearing a burqa in public places."

Mr Nile said he was disappointed that MPs would not be allowed a conscience vote when the bill returns to Parliament next month.

[link to www.smh.com.au]