Australia ‘to prioritise’ Christians

The Australian government senate leader, Eric Abets, has caused controversy after saying that he would prioritise religious minorities, namely Christians, among refugees from the Middle East.

“Given that Christians are the most persecuted group in the world and especially in the Middle East,” Australia will prioritise these refugees, Abets told reporters, while also stressing that need would also be taken into account when considering who to take.  

A backbencher, speaking on condition of anonymity, told ABC that the government’s message would be: "No more Muslim men."

Prime Minister Tony Abbot over the weekend said he would take in more refugees but did not specify a number. His government is currently holding consultations with the UN about how to move forward.

While the opposition Labor Party seems to be keen to take in 10,000 people, the Greens want to take in at least 20,000.

Other coalition government ministers, like Malcolm Turnbull, have also argued for accepting more Syrian Christians, while some government figures have suggested taking in minorities like the Yazidis.