Ontario MPP Defies Ban on Traditional Palestinian Garment in Legislature

Independent Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Sarah Jama of Hamilton Centre has caused a stir in the Ontario legislature by wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf that has been recently banned by Speaker Ted Arnott. The controversy arose as Arnott deemed the keffiyeh to be making a political statement.

Jama, staunch in her cultural expression, defied the request to remove the keffiyeh and subsequently leave the chamber, leading to a stand-off. Despite being named and asked to exit, Jama remained within the chambers, adamant in her stance.

Amidst the escalating tension, all eyes turned to Premier Doug Ford for his stance on the matter. Ford, acknowledging the Speaker’s authority, appeared neutral, stating, “The Speaker is the one who runs the legislature.”

Further complicating the situation, the Ontario Liberals attempted to bring forth an unanimous consent motion to challenge the ban on the keffiyeh. However, the Progressive Conservative (PC) MPPs opposed the motion, signaling a divide on the issue within the legislature.

PC MPP Robin Martin, who has been vocal in her support of the ban, cited the rules of the legislative assembly that prohibit clothing or props that convey political messages as essential for maintaining order and decorum.

While the debate rages on, NDP Leader Marit Stiles condemned the move to remove Jama, labeling it as “outrageous” and expressing her strong disapproval of stifling a member’s cultural expression within the parliament.