news, local-news, united patriots front, ORANGE, banjo paterson poetry festival, support the orange mosque

WHILE the United Patriots Front (UPF) were in Orange spreading an anti-multiculturalism message at its second party launch, Orange’s mayor recited a poem highlighting the beauty of the city, its cultural diversity and its welcoming attitude. While people gathered at Matthews Park to follow the anti-mosque protestors, others came together at the Hotel Canobolas to celebrate Orange’s Banjo Paterson Poetry Festival and listen to orators regale them with stories celebrating Australia. And rather than engage the anti-Muslim group with a counter rally, Support the Orange Mosque followers offered to help anyone who felt threatened with a supportive hand to hold while out in public. One Orange woman, who posted on the Facebook page, said she did not want to engage the protesters or acknowledge their existence other than to help people who might be doubting the tolerant and welcoming nature of the city. “I don’t want to engage with the UPF or any of their tag-alongs, or give them any air, but we can show some neighbourly care for the Muslims in our town over the weekend,” she said. Support The Orange Mosque co-founder Ellen Jones said she had been approached to organise a counter rally by people who were disgusted by the thought the UPF were coming to Orange, but, as a group, the decision to ignore them was made. “We were not surprised that the vast majority of Orange residents chose to ignore the rally,” she said. “Orange is not an intolerant city and the group who came here on the weekend misjudged it badly.” Mrs Jones said she was touched, but not surprised, by the offers of support for Orange’s Muslim community. She believed the majority of Orange residents loved the city and its inhabitants and that was proven by the poor turnout at the rally. “In places like Bendigo, this group has thrived on the attention created by clashes with counter-protestors and we simply did not want to give them that attention,” she said. She said she hoped the “ordeal” was over and Orange residents could continue to live in harmony. nicole.kuter@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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