Peters' dob-in call condemned by Greens

The Green Party has condemned Peters' call for Islamic leaders to dob in dangerous members of their community.

"This is an insult to the Muslim community," Human Rights Spokesperson Keith Locke says.

"There is no more evidence of 'extremism' among Muslims than there is among Christians, Jews, Hindus or atheists. Mr Peters slanders Muslim leaders when he accuses them of tolerating dangerous people in their community.

"I have been struck by the tolerance of the New Zealand Islamic community. When I visit a local mosque I see Muslims from Africa, Middle East and Asia mixing freely together. This is a model of racial tolerance.

"The 'extremism' we have to worry about is that fostered by Winston Peters himself in his false accusation that Muslims are 'intolerant' and don't integrate into our society. Such rhetoric encourages the vandalism of mosques, and verbal abuse of people wearing Muslim dress.

"Right now Muslim people are the victims of religious hatred, not the offenders.

"Any compassionate politician would be condemning the current attacks on Muslim people, not feeding off anti-Islamic prejudice to improve a poll rating.

ENDS

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