Liberals need to learn Islamophobia is a loaded term

Would Liberal MP Iqra Khalid condescend to explain in detail what exactly is it she would like us to condemn?

Much of the controversy and anxiety surrounding her motion, M-103, which purports to condemn “Islamophobia” and all forms of systemic racism and discrimination stems from confusion over the term.

Khalid has shown a degree of arrogance in refusing to fully explain this term. This refusal is unquestionably at the root of the consternation generated over M-103.

At the earlier debates on the motion, Khalid obstinately rebuffed any questions that sought some clarification on Islamophobia. She blithely stated that 70,000 people had signed a petition in support of the motion and the definition is quite obvious.

In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Khalid offered this: “What is Islamophobia? The most commonly used definition, and the one I ascribe to, is that Islamophobia is the irrational hatred of Muslims that leads to discrimination.”

No sane Canadian supports discrimination against a religious minority. However, the word “Islamophobia” justifiably raises eyebrows.

It can mean one of several things: At the outset it can mean a criticism of Islam, its precepts, culture, civilization and practices, as well as hatred toward those who adhere to its principles and beliefs. It is therefore a loaded term.

Karim Achab, professor of linguistics at the University of Ottawa states that a “phobia” means a disorder requiring medical or psychological intervention. He asserts that the word is intended to quash criticism of Islam by making critics feel guilty about it. He approves of the term anti-Semitism and recommends “anti-Muslim” as a replacement for Islamophobia.

Hatred is never justified. There is no doubt that hatred exists everywhere including Canada, which witnessed a ghastly murder of six Muslim men in a Quebec mosque. However do Canada’s policies support any form of discrimination or hatred?

The answer lies in the principles our great democracy is built on: Pluralism and egalitarianism, which admit members of all races, religions and ethnic communities into the country.

Our Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees individual liberties by stating explicitly that all who live here have freedom of conscience and religion. It guarantees the free expression of religion unless there is a compelling reason to oppose it.

All across Canada, school boards are urged to guarantee faith accommodations to students. In the city of Mississauga alone, eleven secondary schools hold congregational prayer services to accommodate Muslim students who would otherwise not be able to attend the service.

Universities across Canada are urged to keep records of student demographics to better address issues of racism and discrimination.

Does all this suggest there is no work to be done in Canada? Of course not. We must all strive to work toward an even more just and equitable Canada.

But any meaningful effort toward this end also requires MPs like Iqra Khalid who propose change to show a willingness to address people’s concerns in the matter. It would be right of her to allay people’s fears about free speech. To glibly suggest this is not a free speech issue is wrong. Wherever there is confusion, there is an impulse to simply steer clear of controversy by remaining silent on issues. Therefore this will most certainly impact free speech.

Canada is a democracy. Parliament is a place to discuss issues openly, honestly and thoroughly.

Khalid’s arrogance and intransigence have not helped in the matter.

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