Sydney artist paints 'Say No To Burqa' mural onside of his studio, as a protest against extremist Islam

Muslim Women's National Network Australia president Aziza Abdel-Halim said the image was disrespectful, insulting and an "immature way" of starting a debate.

What debate? Angry Muslims threaten to kill us so we find ways to capitulate.

Debate ~ that a Muslim woman has a right to wear a mask ~ when no one else does.

That she chose this dress out of her own free will. Eskimos also cover themselves completely. Where's all the furry hats, animal pelt coats and boots in the name of modesty?

Debate Arabia influence over Muslims around the world and their attempt to subvert freedoms. And get the world on bent knee towards their desert kingdom.


SECURITY has been called in after tensions threatened to boil over a provocative mural to ban burqas at a Newtown workshop.

Following artist Sergio Redegalli's painting opposing the Islamic face covering veils with the slogan "Say no to burqas", security outside the premises has been called in after tensions threatened to boil over.

Police also attended the unit at Wilford and Station St after a female resident allegedly unleashed a foul mouthed tirade against the picture and attempted to deface it with paint.

Security guard Nathan Daniels, called in by Mr Redegalli to protect his work, said there had been a lot of abuse - nearly all from women.

"The trouble has been mainly from feminists saying it was sexist and racist. This one woman was abusing the artist - shouting and swearing at him as well as making threats that she's `going to get him', so we had the police called in," Mr Daniels said.

"The thing is Mr Redegalli is trying to get the message across that by women wearing the burqa their identity is being wiped out. A policeman said to me it has practical problems for them, such as identifying people," he added.

A resident, who did not want to be named in case of reprisals, said: "I'm only a pensioner but I would like to give the guy $50 for doing this.

"These people come to our country so the least they should do is try and integrate a bit. I don't want to be named because I fear for the safety of my family and friends - everyone's scared of them."

Mr Redegalli said the painting was a rallying call against the creeping growth of extremism in Australia and was not anti-Islam.

"It's about the burqa and extremism and not Islam. This mural has come from frustration," he said. "You can't say anything about Muslims without getting in trouble."

Should the mural be covered over? Have your say below.

The image, which faces one of CityRail's busiest corridors, has been defaced twice since painting began on Monday.

Marrickville Mayor Sam Iskandar said he "condemns" the painting but council did not have the right to remove it.

Muslim Women's National Network Australia president Aziza Abdel-Halim said the image was disrespectful, insulting and an "immature way" of starting a debate.

"I don't think [Mr Redegalli] is really even worth thinking about," she said.

"[Wearing a burqa] is a matter of personal choice."

The Daily Telegraph