Apparently it was motherhood that permitted Sonia Kruger to make controversial comments on morning television yesterday.
The Today Extra host spoke about terrorism and immigration on The Today Show, calling for Muslims to be banned from entering the country.
"Personally, I would like to see (Muslim migration) stop now for Australia," she said.
"I want to feel safe, as all of our citizens do when they go out to celebrate Australia Day, and I’d like to see freedom of speech."
Her comments caused widespread debate online, with many criticising Sonia for her extreme stance.
However, instead of offering the response some were expecting (i.e. "Sorry to have offended so many..."), Sonia jumped on Twitter and defended her comments, as well as making a statement on Today Extra this morning.
"Following the atrocities of last week in Nice, where 10 children lost their lives, as a mother, I believe it's vital in a democratic society to be able to discuss these issues without automatically being labelled a racist," she wrote.
— Sonia Kruger (@SoniaKruger) July 18, 2016
Is motherhood really a justification for her controversial outburst?
Social media certainly wasn’t buying Sonia’s use of motherhood as a defence, quickly jumping on board the “AsAMother” Twitter hashtag to have a dig at the TV personality.
Can we get an official list of what #asamother qualifies you for? It would be a big help.
— Charlie Pickering (@charliepick) July 18, 2016
#asamother I need to teach my child about inclusion and acceptance.
— Veronica Morgan (@veronicakmorgan) July 18, 2016
I welcome Muslim people into my community. I think diversity is good. I'm no intellectual but I am a mother #asamother
— Hic (@hil_clix_pix) July 18, 2016
#asamother probably best not to use children as an excuse for ignorance or intolerance of adults
— Sarah Hanson-Young (@sarahinthesen8) July 18, 2016
It's the middle of winter here and it's a perfect 24 degree day. This is not right, and this scares me #asamother
— Leanne Donnelly (@Leanne_Donn) July 18, 2016
#Asamother I want a ban on Mothers who start sentences with: #Asamother oh and assuming an entire community are potential terrorists.
— Em Rusciano (@EmRusciano) July 18, 2016
I know Australian racism is *mainly* caused by painkillers and motherhood, but surely vegemite must play a part as well? #asamother
— Pauline Pantsdown (@PPantsdown) July 18, 2016
You think that our hearts do not feel sorrow? That we don't fear terrorism? That we don't grieve? #asamother https://t.co/uq58GNL68d
— lydia_shelly (@lydia_shelly) July 18, 2016
#AsAMother I want my kids raised in a world based on facts and understanding rather then bigoted fear.
— AmeliaDrawsThings (@Amelia_Draws) July 18, 2016
On Today Extra this morning, Sonia made another statement about her comments yesterday:
“I saw the image of a baby covered in a plastic sheet with a doll lying beside her and it rocked me to the very core," Sonia said of the recent attacks in Nice.
"I imagined what that must have been like for the people of Nice, for the friends and families of the lost and the thought that it could happen here terrifies me. This type of attack affects people from all walks of life and I want to make it very clear that I have complete respect for people of all races, and religions.
“I acknowledge my views yesterday may have been extreme. The reaction overnight in the papers, online and via social media demonstrates that there are a myriad of opinions in Australia which I actually appreciate. It is a hugely complex and sensitive issue. It’s an issue with no simple answer. And it’s an issue that cannot be fully discussed in a short televised segment.
“Is there a solution? I don’t know. We elect politicians to make those calls. They analyse and then they decide and we hope they get it right.”
