Australia Day Billboard Featuring Women In Hijabs Criticised For Being “Too Politically Correct” Has Been Removed

An Australian Day billboard in Melbourne showing women in hijabs has been taken down after being lashed with criticism for being “too politically correct”.

The sign itself was digital and featured rolling images of people from different cultural backgrounds. One of the pictures on the slide featured two Muslim women standing in front of the Australian flag; it sparked fierce debate among social media users.

According to reports from the Guardian, the billboard was slammed for not being a “true reflection” of Australia day.

Robin Scott, Victoria’s multicultural affairs minister, said the media company responsible for the advert decided to take it down after receiving a number of threats.

“Anyone who considers this a victory needs a refresher on the true meaning of Australia Day," said Mr Scott. “It is about bringing people together and celebrating the diversity which makes this state and this country great.”

He went on to say it’s disappointing to see a small minority of people attacking proud Australians for showing love for their country.

 

The sign, which was erected alongside a freeway between Peninsula Link and Connect East at Cranbourne, has been shared a number of times by far-right groups on Facebook.

The United Patriots Front shared an image of the billboard, commenting: “Equality you say? Can someone show me a billboard promoting Ramadan in Saudi Arabia with a picture of Aussie girls in bikinis on it? Didn’t think so.”

Another Facebook user commented: “For such a small minority they certainly seem to be in the majority of government propaganda ads.”

While most comments were negative and inflammatory, some applauded the ad’s commitment to diversity. “I don’t get why people seem to think that one race or any race owns any land more so than the other,” one person wrote.

“Those views are so close minded. We share this earth together, even if you don’t like it.”

The media company behind the billboard, QMS, has refused to comment on the threats received.

Photo: Facebook (@unitedpatriotsfront)