The Ontario government has banned the use of sharia law and other religious tribunals, including Jewish and Christian. "There will be no religious arbitration in Ontario," Premier Dalton McGuinty told the Canadian Press. "There will be one law for all Ontarians." New legislation prohibiting religious arbitration could be introduced this fall. It is still unclear exactly what the ban will entail, and how it will be implemented and enforced.
The Record reported in its October issue that a review of sharia law was taking place in the form of a report from former Ontario attorney-general Marion Boyd, who recommended that the practice of sharia law in family disputes should be allowed, with new safeguards put in place.
The latest decision came on the heels of international protests, where concerned citizens argued that sharia law is discriminatory against women. Rallies were held in 12 cities across Canada and Europe.
Religious arbitration has been practised since 1991 under the Arbitration Act, which was touted as a victory for multiculturalism. Critics say the new decision to outlaw sharia will only force it behind closed doors. Canada's Muslim population numbers about 650,000. – AM
