"No!" to Sharia Tribunals in the Province of Ontario

To:  Premier McGuinty and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Province of Ontario

We, the undersigned, are mortified that the Government of Ontario would entertain such a regressive notion as the introduction of Sharia/Muslim law in the resolution of family matters. Widely documented and internationally condemned as being contrary to basic human values, the abuses, biases, and discrimination practiced against women under Muslim law have no place in the Province of Ontario. Muslim law is not just. It devalues women and accords them little if any protection in respect to domestic disputes. To believe that the provision of Muslim law as a "voluntary" dispute resolution alternative can in fact ever be voluntary is to be naive. Implementing this puts women at risk of coercion, condemnation, and alienation within the Muslim community should disputes arise and they fail to "voluntarily" opt for resolution through Sharia tribunal.

We believe that women, irrespective of faith, are entitled by law to equal status, equal protection, and equal representation as their male counterparts. "Equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of law" is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Muslim law does not embrace this ideal in its application to domestic matters and on that ground alone if no other, is unacceptable. The Family Law Act exists to govern family legal matters in the Province of Ontario and should also be the applicable Act in respect to family matters in the Muslim community.

We urge you, Premier McGuinty, to call an immediate halt to the considered implementation of Sharia tribunals as a means to resolving family disputes in the Province of Ontario. They are incompatible with Canadian law as they discriminate against women. As an elected representative we respectfully request that you respect and uphold Canadian values in your decision making. We also request that you show leadership in the protection of rights as afforded by Canadian law. Please Premier McGuinty, make the correct decision. Ensure that Muslim women are afforded the full protection of Canadian law and reject the Islamic Institute for Civil Justice application for the use of Sharia tribunals in these circumstances.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The "No!" to Sharia Tribunals in the Province of Ontario Petition to Premier McGuinty and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Province of Ontario was created by and written by Bonnie Collings (bon1264@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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