Ontario recently banned all forms of religious arbitration in family matters, including Sharia law. Bill 27 was passed Feb. 14, making it illegal for religious bodies to hold their own court to decide matters related to family law. Such practices were allowed in Ontario since 1991, and had been used most extensively in Jewish circles.
As reported here in Oct. 2005, Sharia law became an issue back in 2004, when Marion Boyd, a former attorney general, said in a government-commissioned report that such courts should be allowed (with safeguards imposed), as they did not jeopardize women's rights.
Passionate debates ensued, both among the Muslim community and others, with critics saying Sharia would infringe upon women's equality in custody battles, property disputes and other marriage matters, while proponents argue it is imperative to their faith to make legal decisions in line with their beliefs, and that rights would be protected.
Last September, Premier Dalton McGuinty said despite Boyd's report, he would outlaw religious arbitration in family matters.
The Canadian Jewish Congress has expressed disappointment with the new law, while the Muslim Canadian Congress has praised it. – AM with files from National Post
