Last Monday night, independent senator Jacqui Lambie engaged in a live heated debate with engineer and author Yassmin Abdel-Magied on ABC program, Q&A.
“Anyone who supports Sharia law in this country should be deported,” Lambie began.
“So, do you know what Sharia law is?” Abdel-Magied questioned, before fiercely arguing, “You are talking about stuff you don’t know anything about…”
Jacqui Lambie speaks to Mia Freedman on No Filter about her heated argument with Yassmin Abdel-Magied on last week’s Q&A.
“Islam to me, is the most feminist religion.
“We don’t take our husband’s last names because we ain’t their property,” she said.
“What is culture is separate from what is faith.”
Lambie interjected, “The fact is that there is one law in this country and it’s not Sharia law.”
Both panellists raised their voices, visibly passionate about the subject, as Abdel-Magied said, “Don’t tell me you know anything about my religion… You talk about protecting Australians. I am Australian.”
The key crossbencher retorted, "Stop playing the victim".
"Your ban got lifted, get over it," Lambie said, referring to Donald Trump's proposed 'Muslim ban'.
Host Tony Jones then interrupted, "Can I say, shouting at each other is not going to help.”
Since their on-air exchange, both women have been viciously attacked online.
Abdel-Magied tweeted, "I do regret shouting and losing my cool... I acknowledge not the best way..."
Lambie, on the other hand, has stayed rather quiet about her behaviour, except to release a YouTube video outlining exactly what she knows about Sharia law.
But in an interview with Mia Freedman, Lambie expressed regret over how the debate unfolded.
"It got a little bit heated on Monday night, which was unfortunate," she said. "It would have been nice to stay calm."
"I should know better than that, I'm older," the 45-year-old said.
In the No Filter interview released today, Freedman asked what the energy was like in the green room afterwards.
"It was fine," Lambie responded. "There was no problem, there was certainly no viciousness."
The Tasmanian senator then went on to commend 26-year-old Abdel-Magied on her incredible accomplishments at such a young age.
"For such a young girl she's done very well for herself, you can't take that credit away from her.
"Doesn't matter what race you are, what religion you are, you pay credit where credit is due," she said.
Lambie was disheartened by the online vitriol waged at Abdel-Magied, commenting that she's being given a "really, really hard time."
"Constructive criticism is great," she said. "But treating people like an animal is not going to get us anywhere."
By stepping back and not adding fuel to the fire, Lambie hopes that will "calm things down".
As opposed as Lambie and Abdel-Magied might be politically, both appear to agree that nothing is achieved by playing the person rather than the idea.
And indeed, online viciousness continues to get us nowhere.
You can listen to the full episode of No Filter with Jacqui Lambie, here.
Top Comments
I don't understand why people think Sharia law will happen in Australia?
By stealth. The larger the Muslim population, especially those who adhere to fundamentalism, the more likelihood of Sharia Courts. The UK is evidence of this.
Paranoia and racism does that to you. These fools used to think Australia was going to be taken over by Asians. Conservatives aren't happy unless they are picking on someone different to themselves.
Please read Ruby Hamad's article in Daily Life - really vile when you read how the conservatives in the article are just as sexist and homophobic. Pauline Hanson has no right to complain about Sharia Law when she thinks women make up DV claims - why isn't she being called out? It's insane. So are the 2 women who die a week at the hands of a male making it up? Bc I guarantee most of the women who died weren't believed at some stage. It's so unfair. Pauline Hanson also likes Putin - DV stats are worse in Russia than most Muslim countries. You walk down the street in Russia and every second day you see a woman with a black eye or stitches on their lip or head.
There doesn't need to be a realistic prospect of Sharia in Australia for it to be concerning to see it have support from some.
There are a lot of issues that are concerning to see have support from some that don't get brought up as much as sharia law.
Mamamia/ Mia.. Will you please write a considered article about Sharia as it applies in Australia. Someone needs to hose this whole mess down and provide a more accurate sense of what is implied. Please be the ones to start this discussion with actual facts. Enough of the panic comments and inaccuracies. I think if there was a greater understanding of what is involved it may remove the hysteria surrounding it?.. Nothing like a little accurate knowledge to remove the fear? SBS produced an excellent series a couple of years ago regarding this if you need a starting reference?
I'd like to see it too but it needs to be warts and all. Not just an idealistic portrayal.
Isn't that what Suz is suggesting?
No, she isn't!
She seems to want it sugar coated.
We can see the truth by just looking at what is happening to most Western Countries today! Not good!
I've just reread Suzie's comment and I honestly can't see where you would make that assertion? I mean you seem to be very interested in Islam and Sharia Law...why don't you educate yourself as much as possible? That means not just reading right wing propaganda, why don't you go and hang out with some people who are Muslim? If you are in Melbourne there is the wonderful Muslim Museum in Thornbury.
You ask "look is what is happening in most Western Countries?" What exactly? Are you talking about taking over? Sharia Law taking over Australia? Because the only group I see trying to influence Australian legislation is the hard right (some of them so called 'Christian').
I live in Coburg where there are many Muslims and my experience of 'them' as neighbours, acquaintences and friends is marvelous.
Yes, I am worried about this world but it's the fear and hate that gets me scared, not Muslims! You do realise you are different sides of the same coin? You and the Muslim extremist? You both want to divide, you are both scared of the 'other' while I am in the middle with THE GREAT MAJORITY of Muslims in this country who just want to get along...