I write about Brian McLeod’s (Gazette, Jan. 31) opinion piece on Sharia Law. His lead-in paragraph states he is on the side of women in their protests about everything from unequal pay for equal work, to sexual intimidation and a host of other things. His second paragraph smoothly segued onto the subject of Sharia Law. His third paragraph states “… other Muslims are in support of this implementation (i.e. of Sharia Law in Canada)”. It continues to correctly state that Sharia Law can limit women’s rights and impose roadblocks for women.
His last paragraph is another smooth segue into observing that current women’s protests against oppression, intimidation and harassment don’t include objections to Sharia Law and have “… seemingly ignored all the potential problems women will face should Sharia Law become accepted in these two nations” (i.e. Canada and the U.S.).
I think his entire opinion piece is a slick bit of discriminatory anti-Muslim writing disguised as a piece supportive of women’s rights and their fight against discrimination, subservience and oppression. Women's current fights against the majority of discriminatory actions against them are worthy of wide support. The impact of Sharia Law in Canada and U.S. is miniscule in comparison to the impact of non-Muslim men on women due to misogyny and sexual oppression. I think Mr. McLeod’s piece is more anti-Muslim than it is pro-women.
David Merritt, St. Albert
