The Canadian House of Commons recently passed Motion-103, a piece of legislation in the name of anti-Islamophobia. This non-binding motion called on the government to “condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination.”
St. Albert-Edmonton Member of Parliament, Michael Cooper, was one of 91 members of Parliament to vote against the motion. He later tweeted: “I was proud to stand against M-103 #freedomofspeech”.
For Cooper to vote against a non-binding motion, and proudly tweet in the name of freedom of speech, left me extremely disappointed.
When the motion began to gain momentum, many Canadians were left wondering: what is Islamophobia? Islamophobia is defined as “dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force.”
Conservatives against the motion made the quick jump to suggest critique of Muslim radicalization would no longer be allowed should this motion be passed. Some even suggested this motion would allow Canada to transition to a system of Shariah law. This assumption is where I assume Cooper’s hash tag “freedom of speech” stems. This illogical rhetoric is precisely what concerns me.
A culture of fear is alive and thriving in Canada and Muslims have experienced hate speech and crimes in recent years. It is many Canadians’ fear of terrorism and radicalization that thwarts any attempts to unite with the Muslim Canadian community. It is fear that is perpetuating misinformation.
Marginalizing members of a constituency and further perpetuating said marginalization through a vote against a motion – born with the intention to bring attention to the hate they receive – is irresponsible. Marginalization of Muslim people in the West is precisely what terror groups such as ISIS want: to create extremism from the fear.
Some critics have suggested that highlighting Islamophobia is “unfair”: that no religion should receive “special treatment.” By highlighting and addressing this hate, it creates dialogue to address discrimination facing other religious groups. This claim is especially unfounded as the motion itself states it serves to condemn “all forms of religious discrimination.”
Just as Christians are not fairly represented by hateful groups such as the Westboro Baptist Church, Muslims are not fairly represented by groups of terror and extremism.
Canada has been praised on a global scale for the example of tolerance this motion sets. We, as a nation, are accepting of the praise we receive. Simultaneously, we are guilty of perpetuating incorrect and hateful rhetoric against our fellow Canadians.
This motion serves to highlight the hate and marginalization the Muslim community has faced, to create positive change for all Canadians. I support the House of Commons for passing this motion. I do not support Michael Cooper for pandering to misinformed beliefs and failing to take an opportunity to condemn hate and fear.
Jennifer Hamilton is a local student and writer.
