In 2021, a Greens party member of the NSW Parliament accused VHP, a Hindu not-for-profit organization of being an extremist organization. Mr. Shoebridge’s allegations were denied by the Police and VHP’s work in teaching Hinduism at schools has been appreciated by the Department of Education, the NSW Minister of Multiculturalism and by MP Mark Latham of One Nation Party. Mr. Shoebridge has not retracted his statement and nor has he apologized to VHP and the Hindu community.
Mr. Mark Latham raised this unfounded accusation and vilification of Australian Hindus by raising the issue in the Upper House of NSW.
Following Parliamentarians spoke and defended Hindus in the NSW upper house :
- Daniel Mookhy, Labor Party, MLC
- Hugh McDermott MP, Labor Party, Prospect electorate
- Mark Latham, One Nation Party, MLC
- Scott Farlow, Liberals, MLC
A transcript of the debate can be found at Legislative Council Hansard – 12 May 2021 – Proof (nsw.gov.au)
A video of the debate is available at :
