Police are investigating an "inflammatory" fake letter claiming to come from a Melbourne council falsely stating that new by-laws based on sharia law will be introduced in the area.
The hoax letter, which appeared with a City of Greater Dandenong logo on it, made a number of false claims, including that the council would ban the consumption of alcohol and pork products, and that girls over the age of nine must cover themselves in public.
It stated that "public displays of affection, in particular homosexuality" would be prohibited, and that women wanting to go to the council or court, or who are booking travel, would "require permission from a male guardian".
The letter also said that non-Muslims must "act respectful and dignified towards Muslims at all times" and that penalties would apply for "non-compliance".
Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Mark Langhorn said police had reports the hoax letter was received by residents in Melbourne's south from late last week.
"We want to assure the community that we have consulted with the council and the contents of the letter are absolutely false," he said in a statement.
"Every Victorian has the right to feel safe and secure in the community and in practising their faith, pursuing their values, beliefs and interests.
"We treat all crime seriously, including those that attempt to incite prejudice, racism or discrimination in our community."
Inspector Langhorn said the letter's use of the council's logo was deceptive.
He said anyone who received the letter should take it to their local police station.
Letter 'designed to fuel anti-Islamic hatred'
In a Facebook post the City of Greater Dandenong said the letter was "offensive and misleading" and not authorised by anyone in its offices.
"This is a fake letter most definitely not in line with the views of Council," a spokeswoman said.
The council said it had reports that letters were received at Black Rock, Sandringham, Maribyrnong and Frankston, but not the Dandenong municipality itself.
Peter Ozard, from Sandringham, received the letter and said it was a "cowardly" act.
"As I read through it my jaw just slackened," he told ABC Radio Melbourne.
"Quite clearly this is an inflammatory missive.
"It's designed, I think, to fuel anti-Islamic hatred in the community.
"I can see the potential for something like this to create a lot of angst, concern and disharmony in the community."
Islamic Council of Victoria spokesman Adel Salman said the letter was upsetting and created a climate of fear.
"People are looking to use dishonest tactics. That's a concern that these things are becoming more sophisticated as well," he said.
"They look professional, well-worded, and in many ways they're far more dangerous.
"We've seen rising Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment, and this hurts the broader community, not just the Muslim community."
