Canadians are reacting after an independent member of Parliament was kicked out of the Ontario Legislature for wearing a keffiyeh.
During a session at Queen’s Park on Thursday, MPP for Hamilton Centre Sarah Jama was asked to leave the house because she was wearing a keffiyeh.
A keffiyeh is a black and white checkered scarf traditionally worn across much of the Middle East and has come to symbolize solidarity with Palestinians.
Jama, who was a former NDP MPP until she was removed from the party back in October over her comments on the Israel-Gaza war, was asked to leave the chamber by House Speaker Ted Arnott.
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Earlier this month, Arnott banned keffiyehs in the legislature over concerns that wearing one made an overtly political statement. NDP Leader Marit Stiles issued a motion last week to overturn the ban, but that failed to pass.
“Sarah Jama you are named. You must leave the chamber,” Arnott said during question period.”
“As a result of being named, the member, for the remainder of the day, is ineligible to vote on matters before the assembly…” he continued.
Jama was then removed from the legislature.
Stiles spoke up after her removal saying, “this is outrageous.”
“Today we are seeing a member removed for wearing a sign of her culture and community. I am appalled, appalled,” she said.
Stiles then posed a question to Premier Doug Ford asking if he’ll stand by his word and compel his caucus to support the freedom to wear cultural attire at Queen’s Park.
Ford was not in attendance but Government House Leader Paul Calandra said the premier has been clear on where he stands.
Last week, Ford said he did not support the ban and that it will “just divide the community even more.”
Canadians have been reacting online to Jama being kicked out, with many shocked by the move.
Stiles tweeted that the Doug Ford government is sending “a strong message to Arab, Muslim, Palestinians in our province, that they are not welcome here at Queen’s Park.”
Jama responded to the tweet thanking Stiles for the support.
“We all must use every tool possible, everywhere we are, as electeds and as everyday people to challenge Anti-Palestinian racism,” she said on X.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims said today was “a shameful day in Ontario’s history.”
And grassroots Canadian group Independent Jewish Voices said the legislature and country should be discussing other pressing matters.
Hamilton City Councillor Nrinder Nann reacted saying kicking Jama out is a violation of human rights.
And other Canadians have been weighing in on the matter.
“Would she be asked to leave if she was wearing a crucifix?” one person on X asked.
“This is an image that will live in infamy. Big white man violating the rights of an elected black woman while other white elected officials sit by indifferent and the three non-white pages look on in horror. Imagine what message they are taking away about our supposed ‘democracy,’” another said.
“@SarahJama Your courage in standing against injustices as an MPP will be remembered. As history reflects on these moments, your name will be etched as that of a brave Canadian leading the way,” another said.
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