Senator Fatima Payman called out over social media post ahead of long weekend
Senator Fatima Payman has been called out over her message ahead of the long weekend.
The independent West Australian Senator posted the message to social media on Good Friday, along with a photo of herself seated in the lap of a giant stuffed bear.
'Happy long weekend everyone,' Ms Payman wrote.
'If you're celebrating Easter, I hope you have an enjoyable time with family and friends.'
But some Aussies were quick to hit back at Ms Payman in the comments. Though she had mentioned 'Easter' in the post, they took exception to her reference to the holiday as a 'long weekend'.
'It's happy "Easter" long weekend,' one said.
'You left out a word. You came to this country because you enjoyed what it had to offer, embrace it... don't change it.'
'Divisive,' claimed another.
'It's the Easter long weekend. Subtle provocation from one who claims to be Australia's voice.'
'If you can't even say "Happy Easter", how can you possibly promote yourself as Australia's voice,' said a third.
'Thank you but I noticed you actually avoided saying 'HAPPY EASTER', which makes me wonder whether you did that so as not to validate a Christian belief or celebration and risk alienating those that share your belief system,' a fourth said.
'That's fine, it's certainly your right to do that, but I think it's only fair that I also chose to do the same when referring to celebrations or the founder of your belief system.'
But other Aussies were supportive of Ms Payman and her message.
'Thank you Senator Fatima Payman. Have a great long weekend,' one said.
'Happy long weekend to you and yours Senator Payman,' said another.
A third said: 'Good luck and I'll be voting for you in the senate.'
It comes after Ms Payman issued an apology earlier this year following her comments praising Iran's treatment of women in an interview with a state-owned propaganda outlet.
Senator Payman, who was born and raised in neighbouring Afghanistan before moving to Australia with her family in 2003, gushed about the 'incredible place that allows 'women to participate in the workforce to ensure that they have a voice and their voices are heard'.
But Ms Payman's glowing review of Iran, where the UN has found that women and girls are treated as 'second-class citizens,' was swiftly condemned online, leading to her apology days later.
Ms Payman was elected as a Labor senator but left the party last year over its position on the Israel-Gaza conflict, founding the Australia's Voice party.
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