news, federal-politics

Crossbench MP Rebekha Sharkie has urged the prime minister to consider his Christian values in his approach to asylum seekers held in offshore detention, reminding him that Christ was a refugee. The Morrison government is trying to repeal legislation giving doctors more say in the medical transfers of asylum seekers and refugees from Manus Island and Nauru to mainland Australia for treatment. Ms Sharkie, who is a Christian herself, says every member of parliament who also considers themself one should re-read the Bible verse Matthew 25: 31-46. "Matthew 25 makes it very clear Christians should see everyone as Christ in the flesh," she said during debate on the so-called "medevac bill" on Wednesday. "In the New Testament, stranger and neighbour are in fact synonymous. The golden rule of 'love your neighbour as yourself' refers not just to the people you know - your neighbours - but to those you do not know. "And I'm sure I do not need to remind every person who follows Christ, that Christ too was a refugee." Prime Minister Scott Morrison is open about his faith, identifying as evangelical and Pentecostal. Ms Sharkie said repealing the medevac laws will cause needless harm to those needing medical help. "It is quite simply a wicked thing we are doing in this place," she said. Australian Associated Press

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