The Victorian government has given Muslims $400,000 to run an initiative called Mosque Open Day, which is set up to “combat hate and foster understanding”.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt announced the funding, which goes through to 2027 in collaboration with the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), ahead of open days held in 31 locations on Saturday.
Mosque Open Day is intended to teach Victorians more about Islam, “push back against harmful narratives”, and includes activities such as guided mosque tours, prayer observations, hijab tutorials and henna art, the government said.
The government said the funding built on Labor Premier Jacinta Allan’s new “hate speech” laws, and a new guide to combat “islamophobia”.
“Just weeks ago, an Imam was assaulted in a targeted act of anti-Muslim hatred – this week, mosques across Victoria will open their doors to all Victorians to combat hate and foster understanding,” Ms Stitt said.
“Victorian Mosque Open Day is a great opportunity for all Victorians to step inside their local mosque, meet the community and learn more about the Islamic faith in a welcoming space.”
This year’s Mosque Open Day was preceded by a spat between the ICV and the Victorian Liberal Party after the Muslim group withdrew an invitation for opposition multicultural affairs spokesman Evan Mulholland to speak at the launch over comments he made in a Bondi massacre condolence speech.
Mr Mulholland referred to an unnamed sheikh who called Zionists inhuman “bloodsuckers”, and described the comments as “incitement about our Jewish community here in this state”.
ICV president Mohamed Mohideen told The Age “we expect better from our politicians and leaders”.
The funding announcement comes after the Labor state government handed out $5 million to grassroots multicultural organisations, and $2.5 million for infrastructure upgrades for immigrant group facilities.
Header image: Ms Allan visits a Melbourne mosque in December (Facebook).
