We have received the following statement from the new Executive Director of Miss Lebanon Emigrants Mr. Elie Farah:

“It was brought to my attention lately that you are investigating the Miss Lebanon Emigrants issue. I would like to inform you that Mr. Maksoud is no longer in charge of this event, nor the regular Miss Lebanon event these two events will be organized directly by the Ministry of Tourism. The celebration of Miss Lebanon Emigrants goes back to the 1950′s in “Dhour Shweir” so this year the Ministry of Tourism decided to give the licence back to its original holder the Municipality of “Dhour Shweir” represented by Mayor, Elias Bou Saab. I was appointed by Mr. Elias Bou Saab and the Lebanese Ministry for Tourism to direct the event with other members and to form a board to organize Miss Lebanon Emigrants event in every country of the world in which we have a large Lebanese community.”

Mr. Maksoud has been issuing letters to appoint people like Mr. Osama Bachachi and Mrs. Grace Farah, to organize this event in the USA without an official approval from the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism, which caused the Minister Fady Abboud, and Mayor Elias Bou Saab to act upon this. They released a governmental document to warn anyone in the states from dealing with these people, and to prevent them from organizing a fake event since there was a new official board formed in the USA, and they are the only legal holders of the license.

Mr. Farah has included an official letter from the Ministry of Tourism, which clearly states that Mr. Antoine Maksoud has no rights to organize the official event, nor appoint representatives for the contest worldwide.

I inform the House of progress I have made on establishing the first Multicultural Media Awards in New South Wales. Multicultural community media outlets and their journalists have never been properly recognised. Disappointingly, neither governments nor non-government departments have ever, as far as I can tell, endeavoured to establish a system to recognise multicultural media outlets and the journalists that run and operate these important media outlets. Since the first multicultural newspaper in Australia, Die Deutsche Post, was published in Adelaide in 1848, there has never been a State award recognising ethnic media; or since the launch of the first Italian language newspaper, the weekly Uniamoci, which started in 1903; or the first Greek-Language newspaper, Australis, which started in 1914; the first Chinese-owned newspaper, the Chinese Australian Herald, or Guangyi Huabao, which was launched in 1894; or the Arabic Sout-el-Moughtareb, the Voice of the Emigre, which was founded 1969 and the El-Telegraph, which started in 1970.

Today there are many language print and electronic mediums including Vietnamese, Indian, Macedonian, Nepalese, Maltese, Greek, Iranian, Japanese, African, Arabic, Armenian, Bangladeshi, Bengali, Italian, Korean, Chinese, Croatian, Filipino, Polish, Tamil, Sri Lankan, Turkish and others. Many of them have been established for years, yet received neither assistance nor recognition. I name most language media to emphasise the point that there are so many languages and so many people who work in media institutions as well as many others who rely on the information they disseminate. I therefore now have the pleasure to inform the House that, with the support of a panel of distinguished members of our multicultural community, I have commenced the process instituting the first Multicultural Media Awards to ever take place in New South Wales and in Australia. Ethnic community media in Australia are valuable institutions that contribute to our vibrant multicultural society. They ought to be given the respect that they and their respective communities deserve.

Multicultural community media have the capacity to raise awareness of community issues that are not immediately accessed by mainstream media. I use by way of illustration the most example of the Daily Telegraph's coverage of the recent murder case of an Australian Pakistani, Shonoz Qidwai, which was first reported by a Pakistani News website Sada-E-Watan, which means Echoes of a Nation. Media organisations in Australian, Asian, European and African communities as well as in the Indian Subcontinent and Arabic communities are booming. The recent Australian Middle-East media launch of the EI-Telegraph newspaper on a daily basis is an example in point. The proprietors certainly are brave taking the decision to print an ethnic broadsheet newspaper on a daily basis in a competitive world when these days sizeable institutions, such as Fairfax Media and News limited are downsizing and changing their business orientations.

Multicultural, non-English and Aboriginal and community media have grown in significance and in stature, but unfortunately the silence on their worth has been deafening. That silence must now be broken and due recognition of migrant and Aboriginal media must now be formalised. Non-English language journalists should now be recognised and their contributions commended. For instance, Simon Ko from Sing Tao gave 30 years of service. He has never received proper recognition for the service he has given to many of the one million Australians of Chinese heritage in our community. People like the late Peter Indari and others who contributed so much to Arabic media in Australia ought to be recognised. I am sure there are many, like Theo Skalcos in the Greek media, and many other distinguished journalists or media owners in Indian, African, Asian, Arabic, European and other media outlets who are waiting to be recognised for their hard work and commitment to journalism and journalistic ethics.

The Multicultural Media Awards are intended to recognise excellence among journalists, photographers, graphic artists, editors and publishers from the ethnic community and Indigenous media. The Award categories will include the Best Investigative/In-depth Story; the Best Article On Immigration Or Social Justice Issues and Promotion of Social Harmony; the Best Editorial Commentary; the Best Overall Design Of Print Publication; the Best Overall Design of an Online Portal; the Best Photograph; the Best Video; the Best Audio; and the Best Multimedia Package. I commend the Multicultural Media Awards to the House. I look forward to the support of all political parties—Government, Opposition and crossbench—at the upcoming inaugural Multicultural Media Awards that will be presented at the New South Wales Parliament.

Dear Egyptian Friends

A new organisation has been formed recently and called itself the Egyptian Australian Union. We don’t object on any one or group to form organisation and serve the community, however we don’t accept organisations or groups claiming that they represent our society without our permission and/or agreement.

This organisation claimed in its launch invitation letter that it is “The first Egyptian community that put all the Egyptians under one umbrella and the only sound [voice] for all Egyptians in Australia”

The Islamic Egyptian Society of NSW rejects this claim and want everyone to know that this organisation represents itself only and its members and does not represent all Egyptians and it is NOT an Umbrella organisations to all Egyptians.

As they have sent this invitation to some official offices, we will inform all our contact in local, state, and federal governments with this misleading and true statement from this organisation.

I am sure many of you will agree with me, however this is just for your information.

Our society is part of the Egyptian community at large and has good relationship with all Egyptian organisations since its formation in 1975.

Part of the invitation attached.

Best regards

On behalf of the Islamic Egyptian Society.

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!" (Lydia M. Child, U.S. Author)

Hopefully, all men will have the blessed grace of being fathers. Being a father is a heavenly endowment, a great satisfaction, and a fulfilling Godly obligation as the Holy Bible teaches us: "Genesis 1:28 "God blessed them. God said to them, �Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it."

Almighty God has blessed both parents, fathers and mothers and recommended that they be honored, respected, cared for, and obeyed by their children. God's fifth commandment delineates this heavenly obligation and duty: ""Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which The Lord your God gives you." (Exodus 20:12 )

God is our Holy Father, and we all, men and women, are His beloved children. Fathers on Earth are God's servants who are entrusted by Him to safeguard, raise, embrace, support, provide and teach their children. Meanwhile fathers are required to carry their holy duties in raising their children in the fear of God, with the best of their knowledge, all their resource and means, full devotion and with all required sacrifices.

Fathers are the cornerstone of their families upon which children depend, learn, nurture, hold fast and shape their lives. Caring, devoted and righteous fathers are always given a hand by God and blessed for their rearing and erection of boundaries.

Today we are celebrating "Fathers' Day", with all those who cherish fathers, appreciate their sacrifices and honor their Godly role. Best wishes to all fathers hoping they will be shown today all the due gratitude from their sons and daughters. On this very special day our deceased fathers' and mothers' spirits are roaming around sharing with us our joy and happiness, God bless their souls.

Attitudes of gratitude or ingratitude towards fathers on Fathers' Day, are very sensitive issues that affect and touch the hearts and minds of many people. These two contradicting attitudes exhibit how much a person is either appreciative or ungrateful.

The majority of people hold on dear to their fathers and do all that they can to always show them their great and deeply felt gratitude, while sadly there are those odd ones out who show no gratitude, abandon them and even at times endeavour to ruin their lives and inflict harm and pain on them.

By doing so and negating God's commandments that stress an utmost respect for parents, these people make themselves enemies of Christ Himself. Definitely God will be angry about such condemned conduct. This deviation from all human norms occur because of ignorance, selfishness, lack of faith and hope. These people fall into temptation, become proud of what they should be ashamed of, worship things that belong to this world and forget all about "Judgment Day".

Colossians 3/20: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord".
Leviticus 20:9: "For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him"

Fathers no matter what must be loved, honored, dignified and respected. God Himself is a Father and He will not bless those who deny their fathers' heavenly right of fatherhood and respect. In this context, Billy Graham says: "A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society." The Holy Bible in tens of its verses warns and puts on notice all those with callous hearts and numbed conscience who show no gratitude to their fathers and break their hearts.

Isaiah 46:4: "Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save."

Even when fathers are abandoned by their children and denied their heavenly rights, they never ever hold any grudges, feelings of hatred or hostility against them. No matter what, fathers always wish their children health, prosperity and success. One of our Lebanese deeply rooted sayings portray how fathers constantly feel towards their ungrateful children: " My heart beats for my son no matter what, while my son's heart is callous like a rock"

Many verses in the Holy Bible overtly call on the children to treat their parents with love, endurance, affection and utmost care. At the same time the Bible instructs parents to value the Godly delegation to them to raise their children with all means of righteous, protection and provision.

Proverbs 23/22: "Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old".

Ephesians 06/01-02: "Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. Respect your father and mother is the first commandment that has a promise added: so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land".

Many grown-up men and women do not appreciate their parents' sacrifices unless they themselves have become parents. Back home in Lebanon where the family has always been sacred, we have a saying that shows how important it is in the eyes of the God that parents are always to be respected, honored and loved. "God will not bless or facilitate the life of those who mistreat their parents and He will reply to the parents' wrath when they ask for punishment for their ungrateful children".

Good, loving , faithful and God-fearing fathers know no hatred, grudges or despair. They remain, always, hopeful and keep on praying to Almighty God that their children, (grateful or ungrateful ) are constantly healthy, prosperous, happy, and successful .

Philippians 04/04-07: "May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice! Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.".

Happy Fathers' Day to all Fathers.

Hi Charbel,

I wish to express my Condolences on the loss of a giant of a Lebanese, Ghassan Twaini. Ghassan, a humanitarian and a journalist. A fighter for democracy for a better society, a fighter against prejudice and against ignorance. A fighter for freedom of thought and a fighter for freedom of speech. Ghassan Transgressed religious and political divisions. His death is a loss to all Lebanese where ever they are. Whether in Lebanon or in Australia or in Europe or Latin America, or US or Canada or in Africa or in the Arab world. Lebanon has lost a true Lebanese. A hero to all. May he rest in peace.

Shaoquett Moselmane
MLCNSW Parliament

My decision to speak on this motion was a difficult one, and I had written three separate speeches. One opposed the motion because I do not support same-sex marriage. I believe marriage is between a man and a woman, that the child or children in the family structure are the key focus and all else is peripheral. I also wrote part of a speech on the basis that I would abstain as I believe that homosexuals, gays, lesbians, transgenders and others, like every other Australian citizen, have every right to be respected under the law of this land and our Constitution. The legal system should not discriminate or differentiate and favour one citizen over another simply because the lawmakers see the need to differentiate based on established ideological or religious prejudices or beliefs.

I also thought that if I voted for the motion it would not present a threat to the way I live my life, the way I want my community to live their lives and the way Australian Muslim, Hindu, Christian or Jewish communities continue to conduct their religious practices and beliefs. How I vote today was not predetermined.

I accept that many people in Australia do not support gay marriage. They make their voices heard in a number of ways, but their opposition to changing the laws remains constant. They see marriage as a unique relationship between one man and one woman. They see marriage as a foundation of family which in turn is the foundation of society. To them marriage is deeply valued for cultural and religious reasons and they argue that that should be respected. They even believe that research shows that a child with a married biological mother and father do best, and that children should be given the chance to start life with both biological parents. I received one letter that referred to a recently published report of Professor Patrick Parkinson in which it was argued, "Children raised outside of a traditional marriage have alarmingly increased rates of self-harm, substance abuse, mental illness, and premature sexual activity."

I also accept that many people argue the case for same-sex marriage and want acceptance and respect for same-sex couples who contribute to society equally but are not treated equally by the law. They argue that it is time to end discrimination. One letter I received stated, "The Australian Psychological Society has found that children raised by same-sex couples are just as well adjusted, psychologically, sexually, intellectually and socially as their peers." Those in favour of same-sex marriage cite the fact that our laws already accept relationships between gays and lesbians, whether it is our immigration laws or our citizenship laws. It is also accepted under our social security, taxation, Medicare, veterans affairs, superannuation and child support laws. I am conscious of and respect the effect of this motion on people of faith, just as I respect the views of those who are on the other side. I am confident that the amendment of the Hon. Trevor Khan to the motion of Hon. Cate Faehrmann protects the rights of all religious beliefs, faiths and religious institutions, whether they are Islam, Christianity, Judaism or Hinduism, Sikh, Buddhism, Shintoism or any other religion. The amendment of the Hon. Trevor Khan to the motion states:

That the question be amended by inserting after paragraph (b):

(c) notes that Article 18 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that "everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance",

(d) calls on all participants in the debate on marriage equality to treat those with differing views with respect, dignity and tolerance, and

(e) calls for any amendments to the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) to ensure that religious institutions are not forced to solemnise marriages they do not wish to.

I support this amendment, as it will ensure that religious institutions are not forced to solemnise same-sex marriages, which goes against the grain of their religion. I would have no hesitation voting against this motion if it took away the right of people who observe their religions and forced on them a practice they do not believe in. I would not support a motion to make something right by imposing a wrong on others. I would not agree with forcing religious institutions to solemnise gay and lesbian marriages. Under this amendment of the Hon. Trevor Khan, imams, priests, rabbis and reverends of all faiths can refuse same-sex marriages with the protection of law. Secular laws have not intervened in the fundamental affairs of the church—I use the term "church" broadly to include all religions—and this amendment will maintain the rights of the church. My conscience is therefore clear in whatever decision I take on this matter today.

I am also conscious of the fact that we live in a secular society where our religions, religious beliefs and religious institutions are protected. I am conscious that secular laws have given significance to human rights, which I support and will always argue in favour of. I support the human rights of children, women and the elderly, just as I support the human rights of the underprivileged, the poor, and the dispossessed. I support the human rights of all people of faith to practise their faiths, their culture, their language and their beliefs without fear or discrimination. I also support the rights of minorities and condemn all forms of discrimination, racism and bigotry. I support the rights of minorities because I know what it means to be on the receiving end of racism, discrimination and bigotry.

As an Australian of Lebanese heritage and Islamic faith, I want all laws, local, State and Federal, to respect minorities, amongst them Muslims and all people of faith, and for all faiths to be protected under the law. I want the anti-discrimination laws of New South Wales to protect Muslims just as they protect Jews, Christians and people of other religions. That is why I have called for, and will continue to call for, an amendment to the New South Wales Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. I hope one day soon to introduce a private member's bill to revise our inadequate laws and amend the Act by including religion as a ground against discrimination.

I want to put on the record in no uncertain terms that I personally do not agree with marriage other than between a man and a woman but I recognise and respect the right of all Australian citizens to be treated equally under the law. Irrespective of how I vote today my conscience is clear. I am voting to protect the rights of religious institutions—Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hindu and Buddhists—to continue to observe their beliefs according to the fundamentals of their faith. My conscience is clear that irrespective of the way I vote today I will continue to respect the right of those who support and wish to protect the institution of family and I will continue to respect the rights of all our citizens irrespective of faith, gender, colour or creed.

I have listened to and read all the views of my colleagues in this House and I have canvassed people outside this House from across the spectrum of views. I have received approximately 4,700 emails and letters from both sides of the divide. Over the years humanity has struggled to provide for those who seek to remain in their comfort zone and retain institutionalised beliefs and those who want change. Humanity over the millennia has evolved in habits, beliefs, practices and behaviour. One of the overarching drivers has been the right to equality. It has been the overarching principle in all societies to seek equality between men and women, equality in wealth and equality in all its forms.

As a pragmatist and realist, I accept the rights of all, so long as the rights of one group do not impede on the rights of another. I respect the right of those who want to hold onto the institution of the family as they see it but I do not deny the right of others to equality under the law. Our pluralist secular democratic society has succeeded because it paves the way for reform in our system and in our behaviour without having to undergo structural reform. There are many who do not believe in God. That has not changed how those who believe in God view their religion.

There are those who do not believe in Christianity or Islam, or any other religion for that matter, and that has not brought down religion. There will always be people who believe in the right of the individual and a laissez faire approach, and there are those who believe in the right of the public over the private. Our system of government and laws has not collapsed because of it; our system survives because of a plurality of views and beliefs. Some people believe that our society is based on Judeo-Christian principles, but that is not true for others. They believe it is based on Judeo-Christian-Islamic principles, and I add Hindu, Buddhist and other religious principles. I will cast my vote having listened to the contributions of other members.

The Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane MLC.
Level 11, Room 1116.
Parliament of New South Wales
Parliament House
Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

( 02 9230 2526 || � 02 9230 2722

S.moselmane@parliament.nsw.gov.au