The Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Robin Scott MP, has written to the Online Hate Prevention Institute (OHPI) on behalf of the Victorian Government with best wishes and support for the Spotlight on Anti-Muslim Internet Hate (SAMIH) campaign. The letter also outlines the Victorian Government’s firm commitment to diversity and peaceful coexistence of different faiths and cultures within the State. It also thanks OHPI for”its efforts to prevent and mitigate online racism, religious vilification and other hate related messaging, and for its commitment to a cohesive and harmonious Victoria”. Thank you to all our supporters (almost 20,000 on Facebook now!) for being a part of this.
Text of the letter is as follows (the letter itself is below):
“MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
On behalf of the Victorian Government, I offer my best wishes and support to the Online Hate Prevention Institute for a successful ‘Spotlight on Anti-Muslim Internet Hate’ (SAMIH) campaign.
Initiatives such as SAMIH not only provide a platform to denounce campaigns that spread hatred and racism, but also help to protect our social cohesion by promoting an open and accepting Victorian society.
The Victorian government is firmly comminted to improving cross-cultural awareness and understanding across the Victorian community, because we each have a responsibility to respect the many faiths and cultures that coexist peacefully in our society.
Victoria’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity is an integral part of our State, and one of its greatest strengths. Our diverse communities are united by a commitment to a cohesive, prosperous and respectful society.
I thank OHPI for its efforts to prevent and mitigate online racism, religious vilification and other hate related messaging, and for its commitment to a cohesive and harmonious Victoria”
We’re very pleased to have the Victorian Government supporting this campaign, it sends a message about what we value as a community. Please help us spread the word by sharing this message. We also invite other members of parliament from across our states, territories and the Federal Parliament to join us, the Victorian Government, and a range of other MPs who have already expressed their support of this important and timely campaign.
To learn more about the campaign or get involved, please visit the SAMIH campaign site. You can also support this campaign financially by contributing to our crowdfunding appeal.