In a program organised to celebrate Hindi Day, Mr. leeser said that he is sick of seeing people being mocked in the public sphere. He said, “Last week in the parliament I made a speech about an ad that was made by the Meat and Livestock Australia. And I had extraordinary response to this ad. This is an ad where a range of different deities are sitting around and having a lamb lunch. And I am personally sick of seeing people are being mocked in the public sphere. Jesus was mocked. Moses was mocked but the one diety that was mocked more than any other was the lord Ganesha. He was reffered to as the elephant in the room and other people at the lunch mocked him with laughter.”
The controversial advertisement has offended many in the community. Many community leaders have complained against the ad. Government of India also lodged an official protest against the ad. Although Advertising Standard Bureau has cleared the ad.
The liberal MP said that he finds this ad as an insult to Indian community. He said, “I thought what is important as an Australian parliamentarian to get up and say Australia-India relationship is vital. Organisations that are responsible for promoting brand Australia should have respect for people's faith and should have particular respect for such an important cultural and trade partner as India. And to insult lord Ganesha and to insult Indian people I am afraid is not acceptable.”
Leeser said that he would “genuinely take action because your community is my community.”
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