Muslims in Australia have been told by Islamic leaders there was no religious reason for refusing to rise before a judge in court or for refusing to uncover one's face.
The new guidance from the Australian National Imams Council comes after a string of Muslim defendants have refused to stand in court or remove their burkas, citing their religion.
"Standing up for the magistrate or judge is a sign of respect to the court," guidelines published in conjunction with the Judicial Commission of New South Wales stated.
"This sign of respect is also reflected in the teaching of Islam."
It said the teachings of the Prophet told people to "stand up for your chief".
"There is no religious reason why Muslims can't abide by the custom of lowering or bowing one's head when entering or leaving the court as a mark of respect," it added.
The guidelines, published on Tuesday (12 December), went on to say Muslim women wearing burkas should uncover their faces in court if requested to do so. [International Business Times] Read more
