A young woman has been praised for coming to the defence of a Muslim couple on a train, this afternoon.
The woman, identified as Stacey Eden, posted a video online of her defending a couple that were facing a racist and Islamophobic tirade from a woman on the train to the airport.
The video shows a middle-aged woman addressing the young Muslim woman, “Read the newspapers, why are you following this religion for, why do you wear things like that [a chador, a head covering] so you can marry a man who’s going to go marry a 6-year-old?”
The woman, who is sitting with her husband and child, does not respond.
It is then a furious Ms Eden comes into the fray, “She wears it for herself, okay?”
“She wears it because she wants to be modest with her body,” Eden continues, “Not because of people like you who are going to sit there and disrespect her.”
The video, which only covers 50 seconds of what was allegedly a 10 minute tirade, shows the ranting woman go on to ask the couple about the beheadings in Syria, about last year’s siege of Martin Place and suggested the woman was an “ISIS supporter”.
“Your kids behead people in Syria,” she says, “And the Martin Place siege…”
“That’s not her doing it. That’s a minority of people, not a majority of people,” Ms Eden replies, “What’s that got to do with this lady?”
The middle aged woman then peters off in her argument, mumbling underneath her breath. ‘Why don’t you go join them?’ is heard within her ramblings.
But that was not the extent of Ms Eden’s involvement; she later stayed on the train long after her stop had gone by, to make sure the couple “were okay”.
According to Ms Eden, the Muslim couple were “very grateful” for her intersection.
As were some members of the community, who praised Stacey online.
“There are beautiful people still out there, respect to you for speaking up,” a Facebook user posted to Stacey’s Wall, “It may not be a big deal to U or others watching. But to that lady that U spoke up for it would have meant the world. Take my hat off to you.”
“Thank you Stacey. You are a great example of being an awesome Australian,” said another.
Police are encouraging anyone who has faced racial abuse to come forward.
If you or others you know are a victim of racial vilification, contact the Speak Out Hotline 1800 131 555.
