A Victorian pastor convicted of inciting hatred against Muslims is optimistic about winning a court battle to clear his name.
Danny Nalliah of Pentecostal group Catch the Fire Ministries says he is "expecting a victory' in an appeal that begins in the Supreme Court today.
Mr Nalliah, Daniel Scot and Catch the Fire were found to have breached Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act over comments linking the Koran to violence and killing at a church seminar and in a newsletter and article two years earlier.
The complaint was brought by the Islamic Council of Victoria and three Muslims.
Following a penalty hearing in 2005, the pastors were ordered to place an advertisement in newspapers and refrain from making or publishing statements that had the same or similar effect in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia.
In today's hearing in Melbourne, which is expected to take several days, the two pastors will not be interviewed and no new evidence will be heard.
According to Victorian ministry Salt Shakers, the appeal deals with ‘errors in law’ arising from the original decision and the appeal challenges the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act on constitutional grounds.
Thousands of pages of documents, transcripts and evidence have been submitted to the Court, as have submissions from Catch the Fire and the Islamic Council.
Submissions from solicitors acting for Victorian Attorney General Rob Hulls have also been made, says Salt Shakers spokeswoman Jenny Stokes.
Mr Nalliah said he "willing to go all the way' to see justice prevail and "God's will be done'.
"This case has already challenged many Christians around the world," Mr Nalliah says.
"And I believe God will use our appeal to further challenge the Christians to stand up for their rights."
Mr Nalliah has previously said he is willing to go to jail rather than apologise for the comments. He continues to maintain that the act stifles free speech.
The court battle has been linked to the disbanding of similar legislation in Western Australia, South Australia, NSW and the United Kingdom.
Photo: Peter Stokes/Salt Shakers
