MELBOURNE, Aug 25: Muslims, Hindus and Jews could find it harder to migrate to Australia if Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party wins the next federal election in Australia.The maverick independent told The Sun Herald newspaper in Sydney that these three groups would be screened carefully for their ability to assimilate. Such tough measures will be part of the party's political platform for the next federal election.``We are a Christian country. Religion has a lot to do with it and we must look at people and their religious beliefs,'' she said.Asked if that meant non-Christians would be excluded from entering Australia, she said, ``I am not going into that in detail, but we are an English-speaking Christian country.'' Leaders of non-Christian religions have reacted angrily to Hanson's offensive statement.``A Sikh leader in Sydney was reported as saying it's Nazism. I am really disgusted. It is fair enough saying people should be able to speak English. But, individuals have the right to believe what they want''.A Muslim leader, who did not wish too be identified, said ``I wish the government will deal with Hanson once and for all.``Islam is a growing religion in Australia and we wish to live in peace with everyone,'' the Muslim leader said.A Jewish community leader told the radio station here that he never expected a Member of Parliament to utter such nonsense. Meanwhile, a group of powerful business leaders are demanding that Howard ensure that Hanson is defeated at the next election because her views are damaging Australia's long-term economic prospects, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
