I am appalled to read about the recent passing of the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Bill 2005 even after the objections raised by fellow women senators and women groups.

To disregard the concerns raised regarding this issue and "force" senators to vote against their conscience for the bill is explicitly discriminatory towards women of all races in this country and violates the very fundamental principles our country is governed by democracy. And to make matters worse, there has not been any attempts made to consult the public on this matter either.

Is this fair to the women senators who have sat in their parliamentary seats thinking they do have equal say as their male counterparts in issues debated? Is this a just treatment to Muslim women who will now have to bear the brunt of a law that clearly makes divorce and polygamy easier for men? Is it okay for us to just watch the efforts of women's groups who have lobbied for better laws to protect the interest of women be trampled on?

Frankly it is not only the senators, women's group, feminists and Muslim women who should be outraged by this act. The rush to pass a bill that is so obviously flawed and biased is a clear reflection of the system we live in today. A system that promises gender equality, but clearly stifles public opinion and views.

Will it be really that easy to make amendments to the bill after it has been passed? I doubt it.