Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Director Ashwin Raj says it is only appropriate that a religious community be allowed to observe, practice and celebrate their various festivities in accordance with their respective religious calendar whether they be Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists or any other faith.
Raj says SODELPA MP Lynda Tabuya‘s irresponsible remarks has politicized a religious festival that has been celebrated for 140 years in Fiji by not just Hindus but by people of all faiths in a true display of multiculturalism and respect for diversity.
He says this is why the Fijian Constitution has the necessary safeguards to protect religious freedom from the kind of narrow and parochial thinking advocated by Tabuya that has divided Fiji for far too long.
Raj adds the celebration of the values of secularism without disavowing the fundamental right to freedom of religion and the recognition of the unique contribution of the various racial, religious and cultural identities that call Fiji their home is what gives strength to the fabric of our democracy.
He says once again they are seeing a surge in intolerance targeting people of various faiths.
Raj says one such recent example was the vile debasement of Prophet Muhammad on the social media on the occasion of his birthday because some were questioning why the Fijian Government had gazetted a public holiday to mark this occasion.
He says the most recent remarks by Tabuya incidentally about her disquiet over the celebration of Diwali on a Sunday which according to her is for the majority of Fiji usually a quiet day of rest, reverence and reflection even though government has gazetted Monday as a public holiday to celebrate Diwali.
Raj says this is a condemnation to religious and cultural tolerance in a diverse country like Fiji.
He says for those that have faced the brunt of racial and religious intolerance, this is one of the most endearing values enshrined in the Fijian Constitution precisely because Fiji has a history of racial and religious intolerance.
Raj says one just has to look at the unilateral imposition of the Sunday Ban and the religious demagoguery following the 1987 coups which destroyed multiculturalism.
Meanwhile, Tabuya has since apologized and has deleted her comment.
She claims her comment was screenshot and taken out of context.
Tabuya had said that Sunday is the observance of the day of worship for majority of Fiji which is usually a quiet day of rest, reverence and reflection, and firecrackers will be lit on that day. She had said that surely there is more wisdom and sensitivity and the need to be more respectful.
Tabuya said that Monday has been allocated as the day, please do the right thing.
Earlier;
The Methodist Church in Fiji Secretary for Communications Reverend Wilfred Regunamada is calling on leaders of the Hindu religious organisations to liaise with Christian leaders and determine an appropriate time to light fireworks during Diwali on Sunday however the National Secretary of the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, Vijendra Prakash says there is no need for them to consult other religious bodies about Diwali celebrations as all religious bodies know what has to be done.
In a now-deleted statement posted on the Methodist Church in Fiji official Facebook page, Reverend Regunamada wrote about a national announcement to all Hindu and iTaukei families to refrain from lighting fireworks until 6pm Sunday after church services finish.
When asked about the statement, Reverend Regunamada said there needs to be a lot of discussions between religious leaders.
He said the statement was in response to comments on social media by SODELPA MP Lynda Tabuya.
Tabuya has since apologized and has deleted her comment.
She claims her comment was screenshot and taken out of context.
Tabuya had said that Sunday is the observance of the day of worship for majority of Fiji which is usually a quiet day of rest, reverence and reflection, and firecrackers will be lit on that day. She had said that surely there is more wisdom and sensitivity and the need to be more respectful.
Tabuya said that Monday has been allocated as the day, please do the right thing.
When asked why they wanted no lighting of fireworks until 6pm Sunday, Reverend Regunamada said it is not about fireworks but about Christians being a good neighbour and being at peace.
When asked why they wanted no lighting of fireworks until 6pm Sunday, Reverend Regunamada said it is not about fireworks but about Christians being a good neighbour and being at peace.
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