Presentation on March 19, 2008 at Huron College, University of Western Ontario

1. Religious Accommodation in Canada“Shaping Canadian Identity: Middle Eastern Influences” Omar Ha-Redeye March 19, 2008

2. Historical backdrop of tolerance Landmarks in religious accommodations Flash points Bouchard/Taylor Commission Specific fears Conclusions Overview

3. French population considered invaluable during Confederation Large population base Geographic continuity Required compromise of British/Anglican framework; foundation of Canadian Multiculturalism French language rights Catholic concessions Canadian Tolerance

4. Roncarelli v. Duplessi(1959) Jehovah’s Witness and Attorney General of Quebec religious minority v. French Catholic minority SyndicatNorthcrest v. Amselem(2004) Sukkahon balconies in Montreal Religious beliefs v. private building rules Bruker v. Marcovitz(2007) Religious marriage contract Binding on person who rejected belief Landmarks in Religious Accommodation

5. Asmahan (Azzy) Mansour, soccer hijab International Football Association Board Law 4:"a player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous to himself or any other player (including any kind of jewellery)“ FIFA games, women still wear hijab in Ontario, British Columbia, Australia, United States, Middle East; no safety risk demonstrated Montreal YMCA frosted glass Paid for by synagogue across the street Voluntarily agreed to by YMCA Publically protested, taken down Flash Points on Accommodation

7. Attendees expressed strongly xenophobic, uninformed views

8. Similar to sentiments expressed in L’Heuroxville

9. Troublesome proposals by political parties

10. amend Quebec Charter of Rights

11. primacy of one right over another

12. hierarchy of rights, priority to gender equality over freedom of religion

13. Quebec Liberals: newcomers sign a “moral commitment” to the province’s core values

14. Parti Québécois: Quebec Charter of Rights be amended to permit the courts to protect and promote Quebec culture

15. Promote Christian tradition by the display of symbols, like the crucifix, in state institutions.

16. Final report expected this month

17. Jewish groups strongly oppose proposalsBouchard/Taylor Commission

19. No hierarchy of fundamental rights

20. Integration of minorities also means integration into the workforce

21. Preempt backlash against minority groups; more education campaigns, prevent hate crime

22. Government should publically challenge expressions of racism “Accommodation and Differences. Seeking Common Ground: Quebecers Speak Out.” Brief presented by B’nai Brith Canada – Québec Region Response by B’nai Brith

23. losing “our” values spread of atheism pluralistic families perceived lack of social cohesion Specific Fears

24. Already here Not wanted Not what you think What About Shari’ahin Canada?

26. Adopted jury system, action of debt, assize of novel deissisinJohn Makdisi, former Dean and Professor of Law, Loyola University New Orleans School of Law;The Islamic Origins of the Common Law, 77 N.C.L. Rev. 1635 1072

27. Concept of citizenship in Islam, even under non-Muslim rule “It is necessary upon a Muslim to listen to and obey the ruler, as long as one is not ordered to carry out a sin. If he is commanded to commit a sin, then there is no adherence and obedience.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 2796 & SunanTirmidhi) No distinction between obedience to Muslim or non-Muslim ruler, as long as it does not infringe on religious rights Not Wanted

28. Immense distinction between criminal and civil elements of Shari’ah Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Honour Killings Both are cultural practices predating Islam, common among non-Muslim populations in the mid-East as well Strongly discouraged unanimously by accredited religious establishment Not What you Think

30. Should result in greater cooperation, reciprocity in Canadian context

31. History of intolerance occurred in far less pluralistic society

32. Future challenges will be resolved by more tolerant courts

33. Society will have to learn about others

34. In time, will fear less, and understand moreConclusions