Muslim students at Cranbourne Carlisle Primary School in Victoria are currently allowed to walk out of assembly during the Australian national anthem.

During the month of Muharram, a month of mourning, Shi’a Muslims do not traditionally take part in joyous events such as listening to music or singing.

It’s because of this the primary school permitted tens of students to walk out of assembly during the anthem and re-enter after it’s finished.

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The move has caused some backlash in both the local community and in politics. Outspoken Senator Jacqui Lambie said the Australian national anthem need not be linked to religious issues.

“I find that absolutely devastating, we should all be singing the Australian national anthem and we should be doing that with pride,” Senator Lambie said.

“I find these schools that are allowing this to happen disgusting.

“We should all be proud to be Australians and proud to sing the national anthem.”

A grandmother with two children at the primary school told the Herald Sun she was “furious” when she witnessed about 30 or 40 students walk out before the music started.

“I saw red, I’m Australian and I felt ‘you don’t walk out on my national anthem, that’s showing respect to my country.”

But the Department of Education said in a statement it supported the school’s policy of flexibility.

“The Department supports our schools to be inclusive for all students, this includes understanding or respecting religious cultural observances.

“From 2016, the new Victorian curriculum will include new subjects such as respectful relationships, world views and ethical understanding, helping to build more inclusive schools and communities.”

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, Muhammad’s grandson. Shi’a Muslims refrain from joyous events during this month, while Sunni Muslims may observe days of fasting.

This year, the month of Muharram spans from October 13 to November 12.