Turkey will make every effort to protect Muslims in Austria, especially those of Turkish descent from getting harmed because of a recently approved controversial bill, Turkey's EU minister said Anadolu Agency reported .
The Austrian parliament voted by majority to approve a bill Wednesday, which aims to revise a historic law on the status of Muslims in Austria. Islam has been an official religion in Austria since 1912. The Islam law, known as "Islam Gesetz," was introduced by Austria's last emperor, Franz Josef, after the Austro-Hungarian Empire annexed Bosnia-Herzegovina.
"We cannot accept any harm to Muslims because of this law and we will make every effort to prevent such harm," Volkir Bozkir told The Anadolu Agency during his visit to the Finland's capital, Helsinki.
Bozkir also said reactions against the law must be within limits. "The reactions should not be excessive and they should be expressed in line with democracy," he said.
The law has drawn criticism from Muslims across the world.
"Turkey is sharing its opinions about this issue with Austria," he added.
The minister also spoke about the increase of racism and Islamophobia in Europe. "The removal of Islamophobia and racist terms, and convergence of cultures and religions is a cure to prevent radicalism," he said.
He urged all parties and sects to unify against racism.