We, the undersigned Citizens/Residents of Canada, draw the attention of the house to the following.

THAT: Islamophobia is an ill-defined term and there is significant debate on exactly what the causes and characteristics of Islamophobia are. Furthermore, no definition for Islamophobia is provided in M-103 itself. Passing a motion that is expressly based on the term “Islamophobia” is fundamentally dangerous and wrong as it would enshrine a term that is open to significant interpretation and would create precedence for the use of vague and ambiguous terms in Parliamentary procedure.

THAT: Motion M-103 is effectively asking for the enforcement of the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief, opinion and expression, which right is already enshrined in Article 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. There is no justification and none has been established with respect to why further action is required beyond the protection that is already guaranteed to all Citizens and Residents of Canada, regardless of their religious beliefs or affiliations.

THAT: M-103 is clearly formulated to apply to one specific religion, i.e. Islam and those of the Islamic faith. Though the text of M-103 references, in passing, all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination, the focus is clearly and expressly on the ill-defined term “Islamophobia” and Petition E-411, which itself focuses only on Islam and those of the Islamic faith. There is no justification or reason with respect to why any additional protection or action is required for one particular religion, when all religions face their own problems and troubles. All religions should have equal protection, which is already enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

THAT: Passing a motion that effectively singles out one religion, Islam, and officially recognizes an ill-defined term, which in its broadest form would effectively deem as blasphemous any free speech against the tenements and teaching of the religion of Islam, gives means to the radical minority to further promote their radical beliefs and in the long run curtail the freedom of expression, freedom of the press and other media communication and the freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

THEREFORE: We the petitioners call upon the House of Commons assembled at the Parliament to oppose Motion M-103 and by so doing:

• Safeguard “freedom of speech” in Canada granted by the Charter of Rights
• Preserve Canada as “Secular State”
• Protect the rights of all faith-based and religious groups.
• Promote the pluralistic and multicultural society in Canada