Some Muslim imams condone rape and domestic violence within marriage, exploitation of women, welfare fraud and polygamy, a report has found.
The report was based on a study commissioned and funded by the former coalition government and produced by the Islamic Welfare Council.
The report was presented on Thursday at a National Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies conference at the University of Melbourne.
It alleged some imams:
- apply Sharia law only where it benefits men;
- hinder police investigations of domestic violence claims; and,
- knowingly perform polygamous marriages, which allow a second wife to claim Centrelink payments because they are regarded as de facto wives under Australian law.
The Victorian Islamic Council expressed concern about the report's findings.
Islamic Council vice-president Sherene Hassan said she was concerned about the reported findings, but did not think these beliefs were widespread in the Islamic community.
"I don't think it is widespread, but even if it is, one case is one case too many," she said.
"If this is taking place it is a violation of Islamic teaching and I'd be concerned about it."
Ms Hassan said she had not seen the full report as it had not yet been publicly released.
She said the Islamic Council of Victoria was holding workshops early next year that would involve social workers and leaders in the Muslim community to discuss issues surrounding women's welfare.