A member of the debate team against the promotion of Islam in Australia, Mr Peter Madden, says Mr Muhamed had originally agreed to the debate on the subject "Should radical Islamic concepts that undermine Australia's heritage be promoted in Australia?" on June 1st however he has now backed out.
The public debate at Sydney University's Footbridge Theatre is a response to a series of billboards being erected by the Islamic MyPeace group which declare such slogans as "JESUS - Prophet of Islam", "The QURAN - The final Testament" and "MUHAMMAD - Mercy To Mankind".
Mr Madden says he asked the alternative Islamic spokesperson, Ibrahim Saddiq Conlan, to fill the space left by Mr Muhamed and he agreed, although the debate topic was changed slightly.
The team against Islam being promoted in Australia includes Mr Madden, lawyer Robert Balzola and the author of "Idealogical Jihad" Mrs Vickie Jansen. The trio are disappointed at Diaa Muhamed and MyPeace backing out but feel confident that it will be a lively and much needed debate with Mr. Saddiq Conlan.
"Islamists like Diaa Muhamed and Mypeace who have the audacity to put up billboards that are so clearly offensive to many Australians should have the courage to stand up to open and honest debate about what they are trying to achieve. Mr Muhamed declares that his agenda is to build a bridge between Islam and Christianity, however by promoting the Quran and Muhammad, MyPeace is promoting concepts clearly contrary to the Australian constitution in that 64% of the Quran promotes discrimination, hatred, war and slaughter. We cannot sweep this issue under the carpet anymore and allow what has happened in England, France and Germany to happen here", says Mr Madden.
"It's very disappointing that Diaa Mohammed has withdrawn from this debate based on the wording of a flyer advertising it which associates 'evil' with sharia. This is the very reason this debate needs to be publicly addressed because we cannot agree on what is right or wrong, good or evil. This is a value laden question and Australians have a democratic right and responsibility to analyse sharia concepts which are being promoted, to decide for themselves if they are compatible with Australian values and liberal democracy", adds Mrs. Jansen.