Canada’s anti-islamophobia motion proves divisive
A motion to condemn “Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination” has sparked fierce debate in Canada’s parliament and online, as rumors spread that the government would soon make criticizing Islam illegal.
The motion, proposed by liberal MP Iqra Khalid back in early December, calls on the government to “recognize the need to quell the increasing public climate of hate and fear” and to “condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination.” The motion was debated this week, and will likely be voted on in March or April.
A petition signed by 69,742 people highlighting a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment in Canada was presented to Canada’s parliament on the same day as the motion.
The petition points to the contributions Muslims have made throughout history and calls on the House of Commons to recognize “that extremist individuals do not represent the religion of Islam” and to condemn “all forms of Islamophobia.”
A reminder: In Canada, freedom is for everyone. #M103 (watch the full speech from March 2015: https://t.co/5g9RMJrFJS) pic.twitter.com/hK1lJT3ewp
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 16, 2017
News of the motion, which wouldn’t alter Canada’s laws in any way, has left a number of social media users concerned that it's just another step towards an outright ban on the criticism of Islam.
Pamela Geller, a US anti-Islam activist, went as far as to claim the motion was set to “create a Sharia state” in Canada, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “diabolically” employing “psychological warfare tactics” to mislead Canadians.
Canadian PM, Justin Trudeau, Smears all Canadians with Islamophobia Lie to Create a Sharia State https://t.co/UTwuxF2LwSpic.twitter.com/3xrDSTvPbe
— Pamela Geller (@PamelaGeller) February 6, 2017
If 'Islamophobia' cannot be dropped from #M103 then it demonstrates that the motion is completely about silencing criticism of Islam.
— Mark Peters (@MPeters74) February 16, 2017
#m-103 to combat hate & racism (Islam not a race, but an evil ideology masquerading as a religion). Pass a bill against hatred for freedom
— Nikita Anne (@NikitaAnne77) February 17, 2017
For years we were told Harper had a hidden agenda to take away our rights. Turns out it was Trudeau and the Liberals. #M103
— Barbara Myska (@bmyska) February 16, 2017
Islam is a religion/political ideology and no religion/political ideology should be protected against criticism. #M103
— マイル (@martian_munk) February 17, 2017
Conservative politician Kellie Leitch has called for the motion to be scrapped.
Sign my petition to #stopm103. https://t.co/OadO9unAWZ#cpcldr#M103pic.twitter.com/xgLAzSWeY4
— Kellie Leitch (@KellieLeitch) February 15, 2017
M-103 is nothing more than a ban on free speech. First we can't say what we think, so what's next, a ban on thinking? #stopm103
— Sharon (@tatdlace) February 15, 2017
Not everyone was against the motion or its perceived consequences though.
#stand with @iamIqraKhalid and her #motion103 against Islamaphobia. It's 2017 and we're #Canadian#ImmigrantsWelcome#Islamophobiahttps://t.co/NMFbLXH3MG
— Sara R (@le_renner) February 17, 2017
respectfully, I don't think we should just ignore it when an elected MP is called a terrorist or a "fucking traitorous bitch." https://t.co/5V8Udqs8Ug
— Marie-Danielle Smith (@mariedanielles) February 16, 2017
Thank you PM @JustinTrudeau for your continued work and efforts on this issue & for supporting #m103 Freedom is for everyone! https://t.co/3MMzay4O2K
— Iqra Khalid (@iamIqraKhalid) February 16, 2017
This is exactly why we need to call out islamophobia when and where it happens. Display of strength from my friend @iamIqraKhalid. #cdnpolihttps://t.co/WF1TWmEAYX
— Arnold Chan (@ArnoldChanLib) February 16, 2017
I'm supporting Motion 103 as proposed by @iamIqraKhalid. See my statement here: https://t.co/isQ7fFxSJ4#M103#cdnpoli
— Sean Casey MP (@SeanCaseyLPC) February 16, 2017
Khalid received threats and racist slurs as a result of proposing the motion, and read some of the messages she received at the House debate Thursday.
“Why did Canadians let her in?” and “Kill her and be done with it,” were among the messages she read out.
I am proud to know and stand with @iamIqraKhalid and her motion 103 against Islamaphobia. It's 2017 and we're Canadian. Don't stop Iqra. pic.twitter.com/wQtS5EV3yq
— Brian Crombie (@briancrombie) February 17, 2017
