A Victorian school that invited Muslim children to walk out of assembly before the national anthem was played has been criticised by parents and maverick Senator Jacqui Lambie.
Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School said Shia Muslim students were allowed to skip the anthem because during the month of Muharram taking part in joyous events such as singing and listening to music is frowned upon as it is a time of mourning, the Herald Sun reports.
Lorraine McCurdy, who has two grandchildren at Cranbourne, told radio station 3AW she "saw red" when children were invited to leave before singing 'Advance Australia Fair'.
"Two children got up and said 'welcome to our assembly' with that a teacher came forward and said all those who feel it's against their culture may leave the room," Ms McCurdy said.
"With that about 30 or 40 children got up and left the room.
"We sang the national anthem and they all came back in. [ninemsn] Read more
