An Australian store did the right thing when it removed a 'terrorist man' costume from sale, say Muslim leaders here in New Zealand.
The Brisbane branch of Overflow, a discount chain, had been selling the costume for 12 months without any complaints before yesterday's backlash.
"This is the first time anything has happened with it," Aaron Abbott told 7 News. "We will send back to the supplier and let them know we won't be ordering it again."
The costume included white robes, a cloth-like hat, beard, camouflage jacket and a plastic AK-47 machine gun.
Federation of Islamic Associations NZ president Hazim Arafeh said selling the costume was stupid and "idiotic".
"Such a costume just continues to add to the stereotyping that Muslims are terrorists," he said on the Paul Henry programme this morning.
"Another costume that does not link Muslims to terrorism could have been [acceptable], but as a matter of fact this continues the stigma. We are getting tarnished with the same brush, that Muslim equals terrorism."
A number of costume stores in New Zealand stock Osama bin Laden costumes, the most common depicting the al-Qaida founder with comically googly eyes and a missile through his head.
Outfits depicting a generic Islamic terrorist are also available on Trade Me, one seller joking they are "not recommended attire on international travel".
Mr Arafeh doesn't view dressing as bin Laden, or any other terrorist, as only making fun of militants.
"It is continuously stereotyping that Muslims are terrorists… That is the image that would first come to any child's mind in the future as soon as he sees a Muslim."
Mr Abbott says after hearing the complaints, he "definitely understands" the Muslim community's concerns.
The same costume has previously been removed from other Australian stores, 7 News reported.
Newshub.
