E/CN.4/1998/6/Add.1 page 12 religious days in schools and private workplaces. Many persons with whom the Special Rapporteur spoke stressed that the consideration of such questions led to dialogue and negotiations. The Muslim representatives also stated that they were surprised about one attitude taken by Australian society, which was, on the one hand, generally hesitant, if not shocked, about the “hijab” worn by some Muslim women and, on the other, indifferent to, if not in favour of, female nudity on beaches and in the media. In some cases, Australian society even had a militant attitude in favour of the rights of homosexuals. The Muslim representatives said that such selective attitudes reflected a double standard. 45. The role of community representatives, authorities and their institutions, as well as Australia's tradition of tolerance, were thus basic elements characterizing the generally very satisfactory situation of Muslims, who can, if they so choose, integrate into their adopted country without becoming assimilated. 2. (a) Situation of Jews Religious matters (i) Religious practice and conduct of religious affairs 46. Civilian and religious representatives of the Jewish community stated that they were able to carry out their religious activities freely, particularly with regard to religious services and traditions and the management of the business of religious institutions. 47. Australia's community harmony and, in particular, the importance of inter-faith dialogue are two points that were stressed. In this connection, religious holidays are often an opportunity to invite the leaders of other communities and get to know them, their cultures and their religions, as well as to promote dialogue. (ii) Religious teaching 48. The Jewish community has about 20 schools. Jewish representatives said that parents preferred to send their children to Jewish religious schools since the Australian school system is not really multicultural. The curriculum is, of course, non-religious, but public schools have a Christian orientation. 49. Like Muslim religious schools, Jewish schools can be partly funded by public subsidies. Teachers are recruited by Jewish community leaders, who can choose candidates from their own religion in accordance with the principle of positive discrimination. As indicated in chapter I, section C, on State and Territory laws (paras. 20-25), the representatives of the main Christian, Jewish and Muslim communities have actively campaigned to prevent anti-discrimination laws, particularly in New South Wales, from prohibiting religious discrimination when it is positive for the communities concerned, especially with regard to hiring in private schools.