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Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Vows To Reinstate Ban On Veiling During Citizenship Ceremonies

Canadian Prime Minister Speaks Out Against Facial Veils
Religion News Service
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OTTAWA, CANADA -FEBRUARY 09: Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses media alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel (not seen) on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada on February 9, 2015. (Photo by Cole Leighton/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

TORONTO (RNS) Canada’s prime minister is vowing to appeal a court ruling that struck down his government’s ban on wearing face veils during ceremonies that confer citizenship.

Earlier this month, Canada’s Federal Court ruled that a portion of the law requiring citizenship candidates to remove their face coverings while taking the oath of citizenship was unconstitutional.

The court found that the ban, introduced in 2011, violated the government’s own regulations, which required citizenship judges to “allow the greatest possible freedom in the religious solemnization” of the oath.

The case was brought forward by a Muslim woman from the Toronto area who wears a niqab when in public and wanted to take the oath of citizenship while veiled.

Zunera Ishaq, a 29-year-old former high school teacher from Pakistan who came to Canada in 2008, told reporters she saw Ottawa’s policy as “a personal attack on me and Muslim women like me.”

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, speaking in Quebec a few days after the court made its ruling public, said his Conservative government will appeal the decision.

“I believe, and I think most Canadians believe, that it is offensive that someone would hide their identity at the very moment where they are committing to join the Canadian family,” he told reporters. “This is a society that is transparent, open, and where people are equal.”

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Before You Go

Hijabs, Niqabs, Burqas: Know Your Muslim Veils
The Hijab(01 of11)
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A hijab is a head covering only. It can be worn many different ways including as a simple wrap around, shown here, or Al Amirah style. Regular clothes that cover the arms, shoulders and legs may be worn with the hijab. Women who wear the hijab are Muhajaba, which means they are wearing it for religious purposes. (credit:Flickr:kamshots)
Hijab in Action(02 of11)
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(credit:AP)
Sheila & Abaya(03 of11)
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An abaya is a long black, loose fitting cloak that often zips or buttons up the front. The sheila is a rectangular scarf that covers the head. Usually made of light silk material and most often found in black, but can be as simple or elaborate as the wearer so chooses. Generally these garments are part of a region's traditional dress, and are therefore worn for cultural reasons rather than religious purposes. (credit:AP)
The Niqab(04 of11)
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Often mistaken for a burqa, the niqab fully covers the body, but only partially covers the face, leaving a narrow opening for the eyes. Driving while veiled: now a misdemeanor in France. (credit:AP)
The Batula(05 of11)
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The Batula is a face covering generally worn by older women in the Gulf region. This is a style that is slowly being depleted and not carried forward by younger generations. (credit:flickr)
The Burqa(06 of11)
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Burqas come in many colors and fully covers the wearer, often there is a net window over the eyes so the wearer can see out, but no one can see in. (credit:AP)
Burqas & Bicycles(07 of11)
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This particular burqa is called the chadri, the light blue color and style is native to Afghanistan. (credit:AP)
Doa Gaun(08 of11)
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"Doa gaun" or "dress for praying." This dress slips over the clothing of women in two pieces...the gown and the headscarf. It is very common in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The doa gaun is usually carried with women when they are on the go. They can stop in the nearest Masjid, or suaru (a place for prayer), slip this over the clothing they are wearing, worship and take it off to continue the day. (credit:Getty)
The Chador(09 of11)
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The Chador is more common to Iran. It is a long billowing dress that leaves the face open but covers the wrists and ankles. Chador's in a more plain black color with less decorative embellishments. (credit:AP)
The Birquini(10 of11)
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Fully covering beachwear made of lightweight swimsuit material. (credit:AP)
Baywatch: Abu Dhabi(11 of11)
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(credit:flickr.com)
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