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Tony Abbott says he doesn't support banning the burqa, but admits he finds it \"confronting\" and wishes people wouldn't wear it. <\/p>\n
Does Australia stand for the freedom of women? Or for their oppression? As the country confronts the barbarians of the so-called Islamic State, the answer from the national leader should be strong and clear. <\/p>\n
The Prime Minister had an ideal opportunity to demonstrate leadership today with a powerful affirmation of the freedom of women. <\/p>\n
Hedging: Prime Minister Tony Abbott Photo: Alex Ellinghausen <\/p>\n
But, asked whether he thought that women should be banned from wearing burqas, Tony Abbott hedged. He missed the opportunity. <\/p>\n
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He reverted to the same position he held as head of the opposition, a tribal leader and not a national one. <\/p>\n
\"I have said before that I find it a fairly confronting form of attire,\" Abbott told a press conference today. <\/p>\n
Photo: John Shakespeare <\/p>\n
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Tony Abbott's cave-in to divisive policy of backbenchers a failure of leadership<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Video will begin in 5 seconds. Continue reading