'Sorry business': Why Indigenous funerals are breaking social distancing rules

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Dozens of Indigenous funerals have been exempted from COVID-19 limitations, but the ABC understands several large funerals have been held with no such exemption.

Some Indigenous north Queenslanders have held funerals attended by more than 10 people, despite receiving no exemption from national coronavirus restrictions.Large funerals have been held on Palm Island without an exemptionThe ABC understands there have been several funerals on Palm Island with more than 10 people attending.

Ms Obah said she could recall more than 50 people attending her sister's funeral on Palm Island, but that social distancing was practised at the grave site. She said family members did take the restrictions on numbers into account, but instead decided to respect her sister and fulfil cultural obligations."Sorry business is a part of our cultural practices and our belief system," Ms Obah said.Coronavirus update: Follow the latest news in our daily wrap.

"When we were told there was only 10 people allowed, we just [said], 'No that's not going to happen, we're a big family.' "We didn't worry about what was going on in the outside world or on the mainland … so we didn't let it overrule or change our way of doing things."

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Because only in aboriginal culture is mourning of significance

Us and them mentality. Really?

We all know viruses & diseases are not racial targets So we need one set of emergency management rules in place irrespective of who you are so that TogetherWeRise & ensure coronavirus does not spread in Australia auspol wapol wanews lockdowneffect forwardAustralia

Dr.Beattie hits local radio news. Spring Hill Cabonne council worker, laces and leaves gate chain, insecure. Turnbull releases a book. Broadcasting out of, one of Gees strong holds. By sunset I reach for countermand to biological attack.Incantation defeated 10min to midnite

One rule for everyone. I don't care whether you're black, white or green.

You watch if an Outbreak happens the indigenous will blame the white man & the Media Go Off turning it into a National Disaster making any other infected Australians Second Class it will be ALL About the indigenous

Rules aside, the funeral is on Palm Is. There are travel restrictions on the island, the whole island has self isolated with no covid cases. So a little bit of common sense. If it was on the mainland, there would be restrictions.

will be having a lot more then

equality

Precisely one the main communities we are sending our economy to the wall for. What's the point?

People on here blaming Aboriginals for this are thick headed. Rule is the problem. All people come together at funeral time. Leave it to the individual to decide, not the government. Individual autonomy was once the raison d'être of the Aus Liberal Party. Socialism rules now.

Cause we all know that burying your dead is only in Indigenous culture.

No one wants to prevent people mourning the loss of a loved one but this is a double standard. Plain and simple.

Oh fuck off! Everyone should be following the same rules.

So essentially this is an ABC argument in favour of different treatment based on race... isn't that racism ?

Arnt our indigenous brothers & sister's in the high risk category? Well why the fk is this being allowed? Racist double standards yet again!

Impossible to comment without being called racist.

If we have to deal with cultural restrictions then so should they. These restrictions are meant to help protect the vulnerable, a category they fall into. Show your fellow Australians some respect.

Losing a loved one is sorry business for everyone not just aborigines, this is a slap in the face for the rest of us Australians

'The cultural significance of mourning in Aboriginal cultures.' Because mourning for the rest of us is not significant. You couldn't make this stuff up, but somehow the Qld Govt find a way to do so. Bring on October.

They need to have different rules to the rest of society & you need to sell it to people because your the ABC No complaints though if they get any infections... scrap that it will still be someone else who is at fault.

Yep. 'Your' funerals are more important than 'our' funerals 🤦‍♂️

Yeah sorry businesses is also part of non indigenous culture, but we suck it up for the good of everyone. Seems pretty selfish and entitled on the part of indigenous people to me.

Just double standards. Fundamental racism at play.

This sets a precedent fro every other religious group to follow. Well done Queensland, still behind like always.

Will ABC cover Ramadan We wait We watch We judge We then lobby the minister to defund the joint!

mpambazi_

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