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Zunera Ishaq cleared by court to take citizenship oath wearing niqab

Muslim woman would need to take oath before being allowed to vote on Oct. 19

CBC News Posted: Oct 05, 2015 5:10 PM ET Last Updated: Oct 05, 2015 7:24 PM ET

         
The Federal Court of Appeal has denied an attempt by the government to prevent Zunera Ishaq from receiving citizenship without removing her niqab.

          The Federal Court of Appeal has denied an attempt by the government to prevent Zunera Ishaq from receiving citizenship without removing her niqab. (Patrick Doyle/Canadian Press)         

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
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The Federal Court of Appeal has denied the application for a stay of the Federal Court ruling in favour of Zunera Ishaq, clearing the way for her to wear a niqab during a citizenship ceremony.

Regulations have banned wearing of face veils at citizenship ceremonies, but Ishaq challenged the rule and won in Federal Court. On Sept. 18, the Federal Court of Appeal upheld that decision in a quick ruling from the bench. The federal government had sought a stay of the ruling and said it intended to appeal to the Supreme Court.

"I am pleased that the courts have reaffirmed my right to citizenship and to vote," said Ishaq in a written statement issued to CBC News through the law firm of Waldman & Associates.

"I am disappointed with the government's focus on my individual case when there is so much more that merits the attention of Canadians at this time," Ishaq said. "I'm also disappointed that Mr. Harper continually twists the facts of my case for his gain.

"I wish to confirm that I will be identified without my veil for the purposes of the ceremony. This has nothing to do with identity and everything to do with my right  â€” and the right of all Canadians — to think, believe and dress without government interference," she said.

Before reciting the oath, would-be Canadians are required to provide multiple proofs of identity. Those who wear face coverings must remove them before the ceremony in private before a citizenship official.

Ishaq is one of two women who have refused to unveil before taking the citizenship oath since the Conservatives introduced the policy directive in 2011.

Conservatives 'disappointed'

Conservative Party spokesman Chris McCluskey told CBC News in an email, "We are disappointed in the court's decision, especially as we were waiting on the Supreme Court to hear our appeal.

"We have committed to rectifying this matter going forward by introducing legislation that will require one to show their face while swearing the oath of citizenship. Legislation will be introduced within the first 100 days of a re-elected Conservative government."

"At this point, the Federal Court of Appeal has made a clear statement that there's no basis to grant them a stay, that they upheld their previous ruling that this case has nothing to do with the niqab," said Lorne Waldman, Ishaq's lawyer, in a telephone interview with CBC News.

"It's an issue from the rule of law, and the minister acted illegally in creating a policy that went contrary to the legislation, and that's what this case is about."

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration must formally invite Ishaq to attend a ceremony. Several are scheduled in Ontario between now and the Oct. 19 election.

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The laws of Canada allow religious freedom and its insane to appeal this matter to the supreme court, using taxpayer's money.

The Conservative government  might loose a lot of votes with this issue, in the upcoming election.  

Tola

Vishnu

Why and who chose a Mandir to hold a workshop?

Are they no community center or schools to keep these type of activities?

 

I swear that the RHEDC is a way behind in everything that they do.

 

Look at this young boy Richard David and the Indo Caribean Alliance , everything they do is according to the norms of  American society.

 

 

Chief
Originally Posted by Chief:

Vishnu

Why and who chose a Mandir to hold a workshop?

Are they no community center or schools to keep these type of activities?

 

I swear that the RHEDC is a way behind in everything that they do.

 

Look at this young boy Richard David and the Indo Caribean Alliance , everything they do is according to the norms of  American society.

 

 

This is an important point.

It is not only because of the 'norms of American society', these things should be held in a neutral place, so everyone can feel comfortable  and do not have to observe any special faith.

Even if  the facility is at no cost, some people who are fighting for their religious rights at citizenship ceremonies, should be more inviting and made to feel more comfortable.

 

I am yet to understand this cultural scenario.

Often when I do video recordings at Hindu ceremonies, it is during the ceremony someone is adjusting the PA system, with all its squeals, hollering and testing... testing. With people walking about, talking and other types of distractions.

 

I once talked to a pandit in Chicago about it. He said he talked to the people numerous times about it and they still do it.  And he sometimes goes to someone house to preside in a ceremony, when the people say, could you wait while we get things ready, going out to get items for the ceremony.

 

Is this not a religious ceremony, where there is preparation-time with meditation, thanksgiving and worship ?      

Tola

Chief,

 

RHEDC used this site every week for the last 8 months to assist the Senior Citizen with their Entitlement and Information Session. It is open to all in the Community. The Iman and President of Al Abadin Masjid even promotes this service at the Friday's Juma. The NYS State Senate and NYS Assembly were in attendance several time. NYC HRA visited this site twice to assist our Senior Citizens. The Many Insurance companies have visited and will be sponsoring programs at this site.

 

 

I am yet to understand the merit of your objection. Do you have a problem visiting a cafeteria in a Synagogue, Church, Masjid etc. This site in the Cafeteria of the Mandir.

 

I have served dozens of Muslim Seniors to date. I can provide you a list of these Seniors.

 

In spite of your prejudices,  why not visit us or send a surrogate if it is against "your religion"

Vish M
Originally Posted by Vish M:

Chief,

 

RHEDC used this site every week for the last 8 months to assist the Senior Citizen with their Entitlement and Information Session. It is open to all in the Community. The Iman and President of Al Abadin Masjid even promotes this service at the Friday's Juma. The NYS State Senate and NYS Assembly were in attendance several time. NYC HRA visited this site twice to assist our Senior Citizens. The Many Insurance companies have visited and will be sponsoring programs at this site.

 

 

I am yet to understand the merit of your objection. Do you have a problem visiting a cafeteria in a Synagogue, Church, Masjid etc. This site in the Cafeteria of the Mandir.

 

I have served dozens of Muslim Seniors to date. I can provide you a list of these Seniors.

 

In spite of your prejudices,  why not visit us or send a surrogate if it is against "your religion"

Chief frikken that if he goes to the Mandir he will be tempted to revert to Hinduism like his ancestors once practiced. 

Mars

Mars and Vishnu need to read Tola's response once again.

Vishnu you fail to answer my question. Why the use of a temple or a  Masjid?

Are you only catering to Guyanese. Is RHEDC only serving Guyanese?

According to the cencus Guyanese do not make up even 30 % of the population of Richmondhill.

 

Why discriminate against the other 70% of the population.

 

 

Chief
Originally Posted by Vish M:

Chief,

 

RHEDC used this site every week for the last 8 months to assist the Senior Citizen with their Entitlement and Information Session. It is open to all in the Community. The Iman and President of Al Abadin Masjid even promotes this service at the Friday's Juma. The NYS State Senate and NYS Assembly were in attendance several time. NYC HRA visited this site twice to assist our Senior Citizens. The Many Insurance companies have visited and will be sponsoring programs at this site.

 

 

I am yet to understand the merit of your objection. Do you have a problem visiting a cafeteria in a Synagogue, Church, Masjid etc. This site in the Cafeteria of the Mandir.

 

I have served dozens of Muslim Seniors to date. I can provide you a list of these Seniors.

 

In spite of your prejudices,  why not visit us or send a surrogate if it is against "your religion"

It is very impressive to note all the 'high level officials' who attend and promote this event, but the workshops are not for them. It is for ordinary people of different faiths and atheists,  who want to be educated on becoming US citizens.

An atmosphere should be created in a neutral setting, so as not to prevent anyone feeling uncomfortable to attend.

Unless its exclusive for Indo Guyanese and Hindus, which might  exclude Afro Guyanese and people from other faiths and countries.  

 

How do we know how many decided not to attend, because its held at the place of one religion.  They might not attend, possibly because they don't like this religion ?

A neutral non-religious setting might  be more accommodating for all.  

 

Tola

You are missing the point Vish.

 

It is better for organizations to stay clear from places of worship when holding such events for the general public.

You have no respect for the Mandirs, suppose an applicant walk in  wirth burger from Mc Donald and start eating in the Mandir whilst waiting for his appointment.  Or is it that you do not care if people carry beef in the Mandir?

Chief

Your point has merit. but

 

Since February, all the participants are provided a hot meal.

 

This Mandir has accommodation for 200 in its cafeteria and is ADA compliant.

This site is provided Free of cost.

 

This RARE as no other facility in Richmond Hill can match this offer.

 

This why we are able to host this program with little resources.

 

Whilst you took such measures to knock your effort why not donate time as you never contributed otherwise to us

 

Vish M

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