Law can be a complicated area, but some aspects of it are profoundly simple and straightforward.
For example, the principle that we are all equal before the law is a cornerstone of our legal system. This applies to everyone, regardless of age, background, wealth, gender, fame or faith. When you’re inside an Australian court, you’re on a level playing field.
At least, that’s the theory.
Yet that simple principle - which is crucial to the basic functioning of our legal system - was yesterday challenged by accused Islamic rioter Mohammed Issai Issaka, who refused to stand in court when facing charges of riot, assaulting police and resisting arrest.
Issaka claims that his faith prohibits him from standing for the court. This is absurd. There is no overlap between our legal system and any religion. To show proper respect for our courtroom procedures does not in any way undermine a person’s faith. It simply isn’t an either/or situation.
Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge was rightly infuriated by Issaka’s repeated refusals.
“You can tell me where it is in his religion that it says he cannot stand,” she asked Issaka’s lawyer. “I was a magistrate at Bankstown Court for four years and I have never had to deal with such disrespect.”
While appreciating the court’s consternation at these events, what followed was also absurd.
Following a delay, Issaka - who has pleaded not guilty - was permitted to wait outside the court as everyone else stood. The hearing then continued.
We cannot have a situation where different procedural rules apply due to religious beliefs, no matter how profound those beliefs may be.
Yesterday we witnessed a small but deeply concerning step towards separate legal systems.
Like Issaka himself, this cannot stand.
Problem of their own
NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner has backed calls to prohibit unvaccinated children from preschools and childcare centres.
She has the support of Labor leader John Robertson, who wants amendments to the Public Health Act that will give childcare centres the right to exclude children who haven’t been inoculated.
These may seem like drastic steps, but they are necessary ones to prevent the spread of dangerous diseases.
Parents who don’t believe in vaccination might object to their children being ordered to stay away from preschools and childcare centres.
This is a problem of their own creation and is easily solved by either of two responses: have your children immunised or establish alternative childcare centres solely for the unvaccinated. The first option is preferable.