Canadian Parliament passed Liberal motion M-103 Thursday, which was created to condemn systemic racism and discrimination, and it specifically noted “Islamophobia.”
The motion, presented by Ontario Liberal MP Iqra Khalid, asked the House of Commons to “condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination.”
Last month, the motion raised questions – even among Liberal MPs – of why Islam gets particular mention while other religions do not.
South Surrey-White Rock Conservative MP Dianne Watts told Peace Arch News last month that she would like to see the motion rewarded.
“The Liberals, the NDP, certainly ourselves as Conservatives, would like to see that context broadened because it’s unacceptable to be targeted for your race, religion or beliefs. You should never be targeted,” Watts said.
Fleetwood-Port Kells Liberal MP Ken Hardie told Black Press last month that “the critique of the motion is fair comment because normally you don’t make a law to deal with one specific situation.”
John Aldag, Liberal MP for Cloverdale-Langley City and Sukh Dhaliwal, Liberal MP for Surrey-Newton both had said they would support the motion as is.
The motion calls on government to quell the public climate of hate and fear, and compel the Commons heritage committee to develop a government-wide approach for reducing or eliminating systemic racism and religious discrimination, including Islamophobia.
CBC News reported that All NDP and nearly all Liberal MPS supported the motion, which passed 201-91.
