by Emma Ballingall
Debate was halted several times and almost stopped altogether when a petition on the conflict in Gaza was presented to Baw Baw Shire Council.
Cr Farhat Firdous said she felt restricted in what she could say whilst Cr Danny Goss argued the validity of the matter being discussed in the council chamber.
The petition, signed by 15 members of the United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, called on council to advocate to the federal government to end the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza and support and organise a vigil and prayer for the people of Palestine in December.

The petition stated almost one million children were affected and call