Australia Day billboard showing girls wearing hijabs removed after threats
A BILLBOARD for Australia Day featuring two girls wearing hijab in front of the Australian flag has been removed after the company received threats.
The Australia Day billboard featuring two girls wearing hijabs has been removed
The digital sign in Victoria, which featured rolling images including two girls wearing hijab, was criticised for being “too politically correct”.
Social media users argued the billboard, which also featured people from other backgrounds, was not a true reflection of Australia Day.
This year the official day will be celebrated on Thursday January 26 to mark Australia’s history.
Billboard company QMS removed the sign after receiving a number of threats.
The sign was sponsoring an Australia Day festival and included Victoria’s official government and Australia Day logos.
It was shared thousands of times on social media after being put up between Peninsula Link and Connect East at Cranbourne sparking a backlash.
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Anyone who considers this a victory needs a refresher on the true meaning of Australia Day
Sydney woman Liz Parker wrote on Facebook: “This isn’t a reflection of Australia Day, are we losing our own culture to be politically correct??”
The sign was also shared on far-right groups on Facebook, with social media users branding the image “propaganda”.
Others defended the advert.
Gina Rose posted: “We are a multicultural nation, if you have a problem with that, maybe you should leave.”
Robin Scott said the incident was "disappointing"
Mr Scott said he supported the advert
Victoria’s multicultural affairs minister Robin Scott said: “Anyone who considers this a victory needs a refresher on the true meaning of Australia Day.
“It is about bringing people together and celebrating the diversity which makes this state and this country great.
“It’s very disappointing to see a small minority attacking proud Australians for their love of their country.”
Australia Day will be celebrated on Thursday January 26 this year
Richard Di Natale, leader of the left-wing Australian Greens, tweeted he was "disgusted by campaign to take down Australia Day sign featuring Muslim women".
The photo was taken in January 2016 of two young girls holding Australia flags.
Express.co.uk has contacted QMS for comment.