Australian senator attacks Islam in wake of attacks at Christchurch mosques

Senator Fraser Anning labelled Islam as the cause of anti-Muslim attacks

New Zealand is in mourning after 40 people were shot dead and 20 more were injured in a mass shooting at two different mosques in Christchurch on Friday afternoon. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has condemned the ideology of those behind the anti-muslim attack. "You may have chosen us but we utterly reject and condemn you," she said. She went on to state that New Zealand represents "diversity and compassion" and is "a home for those who share our values, a refuge for those who need it". Some of Ardern's peers have not been so sympathetic. Australian Senator Fraser Anning showed a callous lack of compassion, using the attack as an opportunity to promote an anti-Islam agenda despite the attack being targeted at the muslim community. Without even the courtesy to express any condolences for those affected by the attacks, Anning jumped head first into an anti-muslim tirade, tweeting: "Does anyone still dispute the link between Muslim immigration and violence?" https://twitter.com/fraser_anning/status/1106432499704451072 To reiterate: this was a mass shooting at two mosques, targeted at the muslim community. Anning has since deleted some tweets, but of course, there are screenshots. "Today's shootings in Christchurch highlight the growing fears within our community both in Australia and New Zealand over the increasing muslim presence," he said. And it didn't stop there. The right-wing Australian politician issued a press release, in which the third line begins with 'however'. https://twitter.com/luciemorrismarr/status/1106464957879615488 Anning has been hammered on social media for his insensitive, anti-muslim rant, with some people calling for his resignation. https://twitter.com/nanayada95/status/1106469222090043392 https://twitter.com/jwlfc93/status/1106469256814833665 https://twitter.com/biggypmusic/status/1106469164619689984 Anning is an advocate of citizens having the rights to possess guns in Australia, he is staunchly anti-immigration and wants Australia to leave the United Nations. Such comments should therefore maybe not come as a surprise.