AUSTRALIAN CARDINAL SUPPORTS ISLAMIC SCHOOLS

Catholic Cardinal George Pell has weighed in to the row over an Islamic school in western Sydney, saying he has no objection to Muslim schools. Camden Council voted unanimously against a proposal to build an Islamic school for 1200 students, citing various issues including traffic problems. Speaking at a World Youth Day media conference, the Archbishop of Sydney said Muslims deserved a fair go. Cardinal Pell told media he always encouraged people to be open to the rights of people from all faiths. “Everybody in Australia has the right to a fair go, so do the Muslims,” he said. “We certainly believe in religious schools.” Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell said he did not believe race was an issue in the decision. “Whenever these issues are determined, they should be determined and decided on the basis of facts, not emotion, on the basis of planning considerations, not irrelevant issues,” Mr O’Farrell said.