Ontario Legislature Bans Keffiyehs, Sparking Controversy and Calls for Reversal

The Ontario Legislature has banned the wearing of keffiyehs, a traditional Arab headdress, within the legislative building. Speaker Ted Arnott made the decision, stating that the keffiyehs are being used to make a "political statement" which goes against the legislature's long-standing rule prohibiting the use of props, signage, or accessories for political expression.

Premier Doug Ford and opposition party leaders have called for Arnott to reverse the ban. Ford said the decision "needlessly divides" the people of Ontario. NDP Leader Marit Stiles moved a motion to allow the keffiyeh as a culturally significant clothing item, but it did not receive unanimous consent after Progressive Conservative backbencher Robin Martin voted against it.

The issue arose when a staffer of independent MPP Sarah Jama was told to remove her keffiyeh before entering the building. Jama criticized the decision, calling it a "blatant attempt to silence and vilify minority voices." The National Council of Canadian Muslims has also condemned the ban, stating it is "another sign that Palestinian identity is being attacked."

Why this matters: The keffiyeh ban has exposed divisions within Ontario's government and sparked a broader debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision is seen by critics as an infringement on cultural expression and an attempt to suppress Palestinian identity.

Speaker Arnott has defended his ruling, citing the need to maintain the legislature's rules against political clothing. However, he indicated the matter could be raised again on a subsequent occasion. "I made the decision after extensive research and concluded that the wearing of keffiyehs is clearly intended to be a political statement," Arnott said. The keffiyeh remains banned in the Ontario Legislature unless the Premier brings forward a motion to restore its use, which would require unanimous consent from the house.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario legislature bans wearing of keffiyehs, citing political expression.
• Premier Ford and opposition leaders call for reversal of the ban.
• NDP motion to allow keffiyeh fails due to PC backbencher's vote.
• Ban seen as infringement on cultural expression and suppression of Palestinian identity.
• Keffiyeh remains banned unless Premier brings a motion with unanimous consent.