One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has claimed halal certification is a “money-making racket” funding terrorism, a day after she told a Brisbane rally “I am not a racist”.
“Islam is not a race, so therefore, we’re not talking about racism here whatsoever,” she told TODAY co-host Deb Knight.
“Criticism is not racism. We have a right to say and to have an opinion.
“We are, and we don’t like Islam – we’re in fear of what Islam may do to our culture, our country, our way of life.”
The controversial Queenslander clarified her vague claims and said halal certification was funding terrorism.
Halal certification is the process by which food and drink products are subject to testing for unlawful (“Haram”) substances in accordance with Islam, such as alcohol and meat including pigs and dogs.
“The money [from certification] goes to overseas Islamic organisations and has been connected to the Muslim brotherhood in France,” she claimed.
“I’m sorry, but a lot of Australians have an issue with paying a tax for halal certification when [the majority of] Australians are not Muslim,” she said.
“It is extortion that’s been put on to these businesses that you must pay these monies.”
The former fish and chip shop owner went on to challenge the necessity of the process, which is regarded by the Australian Food & Grocery Council as similar to organic certification.
“A Muslim does not have to have halal certification, they can say a prayer over their food,” she claimed.
The politician addressed a crowd in Brisbane yesterday during a Reclaim Australia rally.