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“All Canadians, whether Muslim or not, are guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms the freedom of religion and conscience,” the statement said.
“Therefore, if a segment of Canadian Muslim women believe that wearing the niqab is part of their religious practice, then they must be allowed to freely do so. The principle must be extended to all religious practices, provided the practice does not infringe upon the fundamental rights of others.”
Islamaphobic Sentiment
Ahmed has filed a complaint with Quebec’s human rights commission, which will study the case in the coming months.
In the meantime, the Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) has called for a “quiet and reasonable discussion” rather than a return to the debate around reasonable accommodations for minorities in Quebec.
“It is unfortunate that the Minister of Immigration herself had to get involved in this issue,” Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM, said in a statement.
“It would have been better for all parties if the issue was resolved by means of an evenhanded compromise between the student and the school administration, without the need of mediation from the human rights commission and the Muslim religious authorities.”
Samer Majzoub, president of the Canadian Muslim Forum, said that by supporting the school’s decision to expel Ahmed, the Quebec government is displaying “Islamaphobic sentiment against Canadian Muslims and immigrants in general.”
“To see big-name politicians getting involved in this issue has created this Islamaphobic sentiment,” Majzoub told CBC radio.
MCM says the expulsion has denied Ahmed the opportunity to learn the French language in order to fully integrate and become a productive member of society. Immigrants should feel a sense of belonging in their new home as opposed to feeling alienated, the statement said.
Raza however believes the niqab and burqa act not only as a barrier to communication but actually pose an obstacle to getting a job and integrating into Canadian society.
“This is something that will marginalize women and isolate them instead of helping them become part of mainstream society, because are they going to get jobs as school teachers or bank tellers? I don't think so.”
