[Abdullah]

Rape victim defends embattled sheik November 04, 2006 A WOMAN who described herself as a rape victim today defended the mufti of Australia, Sheik Taj al-Din al-Hilaly, saying his controversial comments did not mean he justified rape. Cindy Taylor walked with the sheik down the steps of Sydney's Lakemba Mosque after prayers today, before speaking to reporters. The sheik has been at the centre of controversy since likening immodestly dressed women to uncovered meat and suggesting they invited sexual assault. Ms Taylor said she understood what the sheik had tried to say, and called on Australians to be more open-minded. "He was not being politically correct. But, he's not a politician, he's a philosophical leader," she said. "He's a wonderful man and his analogy certainly did not justify the act of rape. "He believes that the act of rape is one of the worst capital crimes in Islam." Ms Taylor said she had been raped twice, when she was 14 and 30, but no one was ever charged. She said was raised a Christian who had developed an interest in Islam. Sheik al-Hilaly yesterday said he would resign if an impartial panel found him guilty of inciting rape.

~ Rape victim defends embattled sheik | | The Australian