Peter Dutton has been hit with a formal complaint over alleged religious vilification after he appeared to describe Muslim political candidates a "disaster".
The Alliance Against Islamophobia has lodged the complaint with the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board, accusing the federal Opposition Leader of "inciting fear" and "dehumanising" the Muslim community.
The complaint refers to comments Mr Dutton made on July 4, responding to claims campaign The Muslim Vote would run candidates at the next federal election.
"If the government were returned in a minority, it would include the Greens, it'll include green teals, it'll include Muslim candidates from western Sydney, it will be a disaster," Mr Dutton said.
The alliance believes its complaint will be a landmark test of religious vilification laws, arguing the comment "fosters an environment where people from the Muslim community are viewed as inherently dangerous".
"That's not a decent way to treat any group, because it strips them of their humanity … no group of people in Australia deserve to be treated that way," a spokesman said.
"For any potential leader of this country, it is imperative to demonstrate diligence and responsibility, rather than increasing hostility and discrimination against any community."
Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja responded to Mr Dutton's comments at the time, labelling them "bigotry at its finest".
"As a Muslim who grew up in western Sydney I find this comment from someone who is running for PM an absolute disgrace," he wrote on X.
"Fuelling Islamophobia from the very top."
Mr Dutton's office was contacted for comment.
The Opposition Leader clarified his comments the day after they were reported.
"I don't have any problem with a party that has a religious view,'' he said.
"My problem is not with somebody of Islamic faith – quite the opposite – not with somebody of Jewish faith.
"But when you say that your task is to, as a first order of priority, to support a Palestinian cause or a cause outside of Australia, that is a very different scenario."
The alliance's complaint suggested the "dehumanising" remarks on July 4 discouraged Muslim Australians from participating in political activities for fear of experiencing discrimination.
"As the opposition leader, Mr Dutton has a significant platform," it read.
"His dehumanising remarks have therefore also fostered a widespread atmosphere of distrust and prejudice against Muslims, subject them to severe contempt and ridicule, and have violated the principles of equality and non-discrimination that underpin our society."
The alliance's action with the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board demands a public apology from Mr Dutton.
