The start of February, Liberal MP Iqra Khalid posed motion 103 to the House of Commons which “condemns Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination.” This which was expected to pass with an all parties supportive. Queens Park mid February, a hearing was held at Queens Park in Toronto, Canada with Conservatives and Liberals alike to vote for or against this motion, which was expected to pass with all parties supportive. Premier Kathleen Wynn spoke in support of the cause, stating “In 2017, it is my heartfelt wish that we did not have to pass a motion of this nature, …It enrages me that we still have to have this conversation globally.” This motion follows the recent mass shooting at a Mosque in Quebec, Canada in January 2017, who angered and sorrowed many across the world.
Protests in Montreal and Toronto emerged which were provoked by M-103, with intense moments of anger and violence arising. Police were called in on protests with equally large counter-protests present as well. Many argued and defended their freedom of speech and questioned the specification of Muslims. The counter-protests argued against fascism and in support of immigrants and Muslims in Canada and worldwide. There were no injuries or arrests during both protests.
Massive protests and counter-protests in Canada over anti-Islamophobia motion #InternationalIslamophobiahttps://t.co/Zgm6g8AmWh pic.twitter.com/Jtvfw2gJX5
— TheBridgeInitiative (@bridgeinit) March 5, 2017
It’s difficult to fathom why anyone would be protesting against M-103. Trying to justify reasons why you don’t support the motion by crying freedom of speech is counteractive. Despite whatever law is passed, you already have your freedom of speech, you KNOW it’s in the Charter of Human Rights. However, freedom of speech isn’t a pathway to racism and discrimination. People know that as well. Racism and ignorance is so deeply rooted in them to believe otherwise. Sometimes we can vote for the right political party to help combat these problems and we can encourage others to be more supportive of those who aren’t quite like us. With that being said we’re all still human. This shouldn’t be preached to, this should be common knowledge. It’s going to be difficult to contest against racism and discrimination as a whole, we can only be firm on our beliefs as individuals, take action against fascism, and hope the good word spreads.
We need to accept our immigrants, Canada. This land is too rich in beautiful culture and opportunity to turn away anyone. Immigrants who are in some cases fleeing from war stricken countries who are seeking a better life should not have to then face a world of discrimination and hate. Some who are hateful towards immigrants may not understand, because we don’t live in terrifying living conditions that threaten our lives and loved ones. We’re too stuck in a closed minded society. The protests against the M-103 was a horrifying result to something that could be so progressive.
