Morrison Proposes Imams Register, Draws Criticism

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has sparked widespread criticism after proposing stricter regulations on Islamic institutions during a speech at an antisemitism conference in Jerusalem this week. Speaking on Tuesday, Morrison called for a national register of imams, mandatory accreditation for preachers, and the translation of all sermons into English to combat extremism, particularly in the aftermath of last year's Bondi beach shootings.

The proposal, outlined in detail during the event hosted by Israel's International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, aims to establish self-regulated standards for Islamic organizations in Australia. Morrison advocated for clear training and conduct requirements, enforceable disciplinary measures by governing councils, and enhanced scrutiny of overseas funding and safeguarding practices. He emphasized that radicalization often occurs locally, citing the Bondi attackers, two individuals allegedly inspired by ISIS and radicalized in Sydney's southwestern suburbs, rather than abroad. "Their radicalisation did not take place in a madrasa school in southeast Asia or an Iranian hawza spiritual school but in the suburbs of southwest...