Ontario Legislature Eases 'Unprecedented' Keffiyeh Ban Amid Protests

May 6, 2024, 02:53 PM

In Ontario, a controversial ban on the keffiyeh, a traditional scarf, within the legislative chamber has sparked significant debate and protest. The ban, initiated by Speaker Ted Arnott and described as 'unprecedented' by critics, was criticized as unjustifiable by the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), leading to protests and defiance from several Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). Four protesters were initially banned from Queen's Park for unfurling keffiyehs. Although the ban was partially relaxed, allowing the scarf in the legislative building but not in the chamber itself, it led to further incidents where MPPs were asked to leave for wearing the keffiyeh. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding cultural symbols and their acceptance in governmental spaces.