A man sits under a sign with flag belonging to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) along a street in the city of Mosul June 12, 2014.
IN PHOTO: A man sits under a sign with flag belonging to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) along a street in the city of Mosul June 12, 2014. REUTERS/Stringer REUTERS/Stringer

Senior Islamic clerics in the Australian National Imams Council fear the preaching of parts of the Qur'an may be criminalised. According to reports, Muslim leaders in Australia said the broadening of the proposed anti-terrorism laws to include those who promote and encourage violence may affect free speech and result in "legitimate religious and political debate."

The council representing 250 Muslim leaders in Australia expressed its opinion to the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security. It said a member of the council may be charged with advocating terrorism if he will promote the duty of a Muslim to "defend his land."

The Australian Imams Council and the Grand Mufti of Australia said the specific provision is concerning to preachers who spend more time teaching and promoting social justice issues. In a report by The Guardian, other Muslim groups have expressed similar concerns about Australia's proposed Foreign Fighters Bill.

Barrister Ertunc Yasar Ozen from the Muslim Legal Network declared before the committee hearings on Oct. 8 that he was concerned about Muslims reciting verses from the Qur'an in a sermon may be interpreted as promoting a terrorist act. Reports said the Muslim Legal Network has been calling for the government to exempt "historical religious stories being used in sermons."

Among the proposed changes to the anti-terrorism laws is the ban on Australian citizens to enter countries designated by the foreign minister as "no-go zones." People who will travel in these areas will have to prove to the Australian government that they have legitimate reasons like visiting family or relatives and delivering humanitarian aid to avoid arrest.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Council of Victoria has warned the proposed changes will restrict the Muslim community of the freedom of movement. The Victorian Muslim council is also concerned the government of Australia will gain "absolute power" to decide what constitutes terrorism. The Muslim community in Australia reminds the government that the scope of the provision "advocating terrorism" may be interpreted in different ways.

The country's first anti-terror law has cleared the Senate in late September with authorities soon given the power to monitor the Australian web and prosecute whistleblowers. The second anti-terrorism bill was introduced last month which would make it a criminal offence to travel to a terrorist zone without a valid excuse. The government also plans to introduce a third bill later in the year to enable the collection of internet and phone metadata.

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