Monday, July 18, 2011

Guarded Muslims 'halve census figures

Islamic leaders believe their community in Australia is more than double the size of official figures.
They say many Muslims do not disclose their religion in official surveys like the census because they fear persecution.

The skewed statistics could disadvantage Muslims in areas like education and health and it is believed they may not be the only minority group in Australia reluctant to identify themselves.
The chairman of the Islamic College of Brisbane, Mohammed Yusef, believes the families of some of the school's children are hiding their religion.
The school, on Brisbane's southern outskirts, was a graffiti target and the local mosque was burned down.
"There are a number of reasons. Let us be frank about it, following 9/11 people have been very concerned that they feel they will be targets," he said.

Read the rest on: ABC News
RELATED STORY: Census to chart Muslim community's growth
RELATED STORY: Census figures reveal quarter of population born overseas

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