A court has awarded an Islamic woman $16,000 in compensation, as well a written apology, after the woman and her friends were not allowed to go on water rides at Perth's Adventure World because of their religious clothing.
Pakeeza Shaikh was awarded the money this month after she complained to the Equal Opportunity Commission that the group had been victims of discrimination and embarrassment at the park last February, The West Australian reported.
She complained that they had been humiliated about covering up their bodies, in three-quarter length pants and long shirts, for religious reasons.
It is understood that the money has been divided between the five Islamic families who visited the park as a group.
They apparently rejected earlier offers of financial compensation until the deal included a written apology.
The Islamic Council of Western Australia said it was the park's fault for not providing any signs or rules regarding appropriate dress.
"There were no signs to say what type of dress you can wear," spokesman Rahim Ghauri told ninemsn.
"We have to abide by the law of the land in Australia, but if there's no signs how can you blame the person?"
Last year, Ms Shaikh told The West Australian that her group of friends was told if they entered the water in their clothes then chlorine levels would have to be increased to counter the unsanitary effect of their clothes.
They were also told that their clothing was too dangerous to wear on the waterslides, as it could get caught in the joints.
However, there were no signs or documentation to prove that the swimwear was inappropriate or banned.
The Equal Opportunity Commission said it could not comment on the case, but confirmed to The West Australian that a recreation park had apologised to an Islamic group and paid $16,000 in compensation.
The commission said that the park was planning on reviewing its clothing rules and that it had offered free entry passes to the group.
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