14 DAY TRIAL // Emails and social media posts which claim that Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has made some comments against the country’s Islamic population are making the rounds. In reality, the official is once again the target of a hoax.
“IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians,” Gillard is quoted as saying.
The hoax continues, “We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us. This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this.
“But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'. If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.”
Hoax Slayer – the publication that dedicates its efforts to unmasking such hoaxes and other online threats – reveals that this is nothing more than a revamped version of an older scam which involved other Australian Prime Ministers.
In addition, part of the message represents the words of Barry Loudermilk, a US Air Force veteran and columnist. The article he wrote expressed his personal views on patriotism and immigration after the 9/11 incident and was meant for an American audience.
This is not the first time when Julia Gillard is the target of such a hoax. One year ago, a fake newspaper article clip in which the Prime Minister admitted she was gay was making the rounds.