Lebanese migrants have started posting messages of pride and defiance after immigration minister Peter Dutton expressed regret that Australia had "let in" some people from Lebanon in the 1970s.
The Lebanese Muslim Association has issued a statement calling the comments "baseless fear mongering, race baiting and a clear misrepresentation of the data on the issue of foreign fighters".
The Lebanese Muslim Association slams @PeterDutton_MP comments on #refugees & Mr Fraser's policies. #auspol #asylum… https://t.co/qo28WcsfHV
Lebanese Australians have also started posting messages, hitting back at the comments from Dutton.
I am Lebanese Australian I am a lawyer- my siblings include doctor, psychologist, teacher & one is studying Physiotherapy #auspol
I am proud to be LEBANESE and Australian♡ Australia is my home. DUTTON is a hater #Spreadlove #auspol
@PeterDutton_MP I'm a Lebanese-Australian who was born here. I work full-time and and pay taxes so that fucknuts like you can offend me. Gr8
Do Lebanese Muslim Australians who really have to spend their entire lives being questioned and demonised? At what point will we say enough?
My dad immigrated to Australia from Lebanon when Malcolm Fraser was PM. @PeterDutton_MP's racist comments are deeply offensive. #qt
I immigrated to 🇦🇺 from 🇱🇧 when Mr Fraser was PM. I'm not a "mistake." I'm a proud Australian Lebanese Muslim. Shame on you, @PeterDutton_MP
Hey @PeterDutton_MP, as a 2nd generation Lebanese Australian, your words are racist, harmful & inappropriate. https://t.co/YUKuJhMQlH
Governments have a responsibility to maintain social harmony. They certainly don't incite hatred & violence. #PeterDutton #auspol
@sarahinthesen8 @smh I never would have met my wife, 2nd gen Lebanese Australian Muslim if not for Frasers migration intake!
Even non-Lebanese Australians saw the comment as an attack on all Aussie migrants.
By @PeterDutton_MP's logic that means any potential children of mine will be terrorists? Who knew my lack of a biological clock saved lives?