Feb 23, 2017
By Michael Kramer
The Ontario legislature has unanimously passed an anti-Islamophobia motion – which called on MPP’s to “stand against all forms of hatred, hostility, prejudice, racism and intolerance,” rebuke a “growing tide of anti-Muslim rhetoric and sentiments” – and condemn all forms of Islamophobia.
Liberal backbencher Nathalie Des Rosiers introduced the motion in December – responding to anti-Muslim incidents in her Ottawa-Vanier riding.
But she says the motion became more urgent – after six men were shot to death and many people were wounded – at a mosque in Quebec.
Support came from Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown – who said Ontario’s legislature “unequivocally opposes Islamophobia.”
The PC support means the Ontario motion didn’t generate the political debate seen over a similar item in the House of Commons.
A number of federal Conservatives – including several leadership contenders – have argued the Ottawa motion singles out one religious group – and could potentially curtail freedom of speech – because it doesn’t define the term Islamophobia.
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