Doors slamming on anti-Islam MP (Australia)

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/doors-slamming-on-anti-islam-mp/story-fn59niix-1226579838898

CHIP LE GRAND From: The Australian February 18, 2013 12:00AM


Member of The Q Society of Australia, Andrew Horwood, Debbie Robinson and Susan Horwood in Melbourne yesterday. Picture: David Geraghty Source: The Australian

DEBBIE Robinson measures freedom of speech by the number of hotels and other venues that have agreed, then abruptly refused, to provide a stage for anti-Islamic Dutch MP Geert Wilders on his Australian speaking tour.

As deputy president of the Q Society, the Australian group hosting Mr Wilders in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney this week, Ms Robinson reckons the latest count is about 30. Most cite damage to their reputation, others the potential damage to walls and windows from protesters. "We are afraid we may offend people," she said. "It is this huge fear factor."

As recently as Friday night, the venue where Mr Wilders was booked to speak in Melbourne tomorrow night called Ms Robinson to cancel. Another venue has been found but the location will not be announced until 7pm today, 24 hours before the speech.

The Q Society is still trying to find a hotel in Sydney willing to make available a room for a press conference on Friday.

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