International Campaign Against Shari'a Court in Canada

CBC on Honor Killing Interview with Homa Arjomand

Jan 30, 2012

http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/TV_Shows/Connect_with_Mark_Kelley/1305591601/ID=2191595259

Justice Robert Maranger and Jury did their duties well by finding Shafia’s Family guilty of murder. Now it is the society’s duty to complete the task and put an end to honor Killing by enforcing integration rather than multiculturalism.

We need to emphasize on the concept of the equal and universal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their country of origin, race, gender or religion. The reality is that the honor killing has a great tie with the growth of anti-women culture and religious movements, in particular Islamic movements in the West. And as long as they have the support of the states in the West, we would witness more women being subjected to violence and brutal slaughter for refusing to obey the traditions of their family’s culture.

CBC National On Honor Killing interview with Homa Arjomand

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7WmVedgwhw

One more victory for the rights of women against religious patriarchal societies

On Wednesday November 23, 2011 the British Columbia Supreme Court, Chief Justice Bauman ruled in favour of the section of the Criminal Code outlawing polygamous unions. Judge Bauman is heading in the right direction but we need to aim for an amendment of the criminal code with respect to polygamy. In order to prevent further victimization of women and compromising women’s rights for the sake of religious rights, we need to guarantee the rights of not only minors age 12-18 but also of all women who are somehow engaged in polygamist relationships.

What we the defenders of equality between men and women expect the government to do in their next step is to amend Act 293 more towards empowering women. Right now the assumption of this Act is that women and men have gained gender equality in these closed communities. The assumption is that women willingly enter into these relationships. But the reality shows otherwise. The truth is because of the policy of multiculturalism in Canada, sects and cults as well as organized religious groups were given room to grow. This means that under this policy they were given rights to keep and promote their ancient traditions, not only in homes and religious institutions such as churches and mosques but also such training has become part of the school curriculum. Children at these communities are told that one way to become close to their God, is to give birth to as many children as possible. Children are taught to follow their God’s wishes and one of those wishes is to stay in polygamous relationship so they can stay pure.

Homa Arjomand on Sharia Honor Killing

Interview of Mahoud Ahmadi with Homa Arjomand the campaign coordinator against honor Killing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPcu0vtN134

Sharia law comes in Libya?

Interview with Homa Arjomand

http://youtu.be/4tCYfvaSwTg

On Polygamy

To help us understand Canada's current law on polygamy, we were joined by Beverley Baines. She's a law professor at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Homa Arjomand is the Coordinator of the International Campaign Against Shari'a Courts in Canada. Among other things, she counsels women who are in, or have left, polygamous marriages. She was in Toronto. And Naheed Mustafa is a freelance journalist who has researched polygamous marriages in Canada. She was also in Toronto.

http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/audioplayer.html?clipid=1661662873

Yemeni women burn veils in protest

Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Libya's new leaders, same as the old leader?
Madely in the Morning - 8:40am --- Steve Madely is joined by Homa Arjomand of the International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada. She says, "According to Sharia law, enemies' wives should be raped and they have started raping these women already." There has been no presentation of evidence to back that claim.
mp3 (click here to download)

Libyan women raped as spoils of Shariah

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/world/archives/2011/10/20111024-170825.html

October 11, 2011

Press Release

My condolences go out to all defenders of Human Rights, Women’s Rights, Social Activists, Friends and Family of Dr. Robert Buckman

When the news came of the sad passing of Dr Robert Buckman, reports concentrated on Dr Buckman’s contribution to the field of oncology. But there was another equally important side to Dr Buckman. He was an ardent activist for the rights of women and was a strong advocate for the complete separation of religion and the State. His passionate voice was heard in 2004 when he along with other activists attended a meeting with Sandra Paupatell, Minister for the Responsibility for Women’s issues. At that meeting, Dr Buckman urged the minister to not allow the Ontario Arbitration Act 1991 to be used to threaten the vulnerability of women and children. Dr Buckman’s active role in the International Campaign against Sharia Court in Canada certainly strengthened the secular movement and added a very strong voice to end Faith Based Arbitration inOntario. His compassion, warmth and conviction for the rights of women made him known throughout the Middle East, from Iran, Afghanistan, Syria and Tunisia. Despite his very busy schedule and health issues, he always found the time and energy to actively participate in social issues such as One Secular School System and One Secular Law for All.

Dr Buckman was an atheist who from 1999 to 2003 became president of the Humanist Association of Canada. Whenever there was a televised theological debate, Dr Buckman would be there to present the humanist and secular view. His humanist values were reflected in his optimism, his clear vision, his determination and his hope for humanity. He made the world a better place. I have lost a friend and the secular movement has lost a voice. Dr. Robert Buckman died in his sleep at the age of 63. It is with sorrow that we say goodbye to Robert Buckman; however, with great enthusiasm we remember him.

There will be a visitation with the family at Humphrey Funeral Home A W Miles Chapel (1403 Bayview Ave, Toronto) from 2- 4pm and from 7- 9pm this Friday October 14. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation where Dr Buckman worked and taught.

Many from the humanist and the secular movement will be there.

Homa Arjomand

The coordinator of the International Campaign against Sharia Court In Canada

www.nosharia.com

homawpi@nosharia.com 416-737-9500

Canadian government must arrest Mahmoud Reza Khavari and have him stand trial in Canada!

Thursday October 6^th, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, World News Editor, Governments/Political Affairs Editor.

The International Campaign to Close down Iranian Embassies calls for all bank accounts of Mahmoud Reza Khavari to be frozen. Khavari is the Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of the Bank Melli in Iran. This bank is the largest state owned Financial Institution. Khavari has been identified as one of the principal figures who authorized the transfer of funds to various terrorist organizations. He is now residing in Canada. There has been significant evidence that he, along with all other leaders of the Islamic Regime of Iran, have been pocketing huge amounts of public money into their personal bank accounts in Canada and other Western countries.

Homa Arjomand, the Coordinator of the International Campaign to Close Down Iranian Embassies claims, “ Iran has been accused of playing a great part in international terrorism, and demanded that every attempt should be made to create difficulties for the leaders of the Islamic Regime to access these accounts”.

"It is a disgrace for the Canadian government to have Mahmoud Reza Khavari and all other high ranking members of the Islamic Regime of Iran with their well-known record of violations against people of Iran, the privilege of a secure residency status in Canada. Their presence must be excluded from all international agencies. This is especially so after the recent uprising in Iran when the people demanded to overthrow the entire regime,” added Homa Arjomand. “

Never has it been so urgent to stand firm by the people of Iran and protest the presence of Mahmoud Reza Khavari in Canada.

When: Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 6:00 PM

Where: Toronto, Suncrest Dr, ON M3C 2P6

Press Release Mr. John Baird's statement is not sincere

July 12, 2011

Attention: News, Features, Government/Political Affairs, Religion Editors

July 8, 2011 - John Baird, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, today announced that Canada, together with the United Kingdom and the United States, is increasing restrictions on the Iranian authorities to hold them accountable for their international human rights obligations (1). “This is not a sincere statement,” said Ms. Homa Arjomand, Coordinator of the International Campaign to close down Iranian Embassies.

Ms Arjomand further stated, “To take Mr. Baird’s statement seriously, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States need to expel the Islamic regime of Iran from all the International Agencies and close down all Iranian Embassies in their countries. Furthermore they need to freeze all bank accounts of the leaders of Islamic Republic of Iran, at least in their own countries and finally arrest and try all its leaders in an international court for their crimes against humanity.”

More

Press Release

July 6, 2011

Attention: News, Features, Government/Political Affairs, Religion Editors

SCHOOLS MUST REMAIN SECULAR IN ORDER TO PREVENT SEGREGATION AND GUARANTEE UNIVERSAL RIGHTS OF THE CHILD IN CANADA

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is promoting segregation by adopting a policy that allows religious influence within the school system. TDSB recently permitted students at Valley Park Middle School on Overlea Blvd to have prayer services in the cafeteria. This is another attempt of political Islam to recruit youth. It will not take long before other religious leaders push for their own space in schools.

Press Release

June 8, 2011

Attention: News, Features, Government/Political Affairs, Religion Editors

THE LEGAL SYSTEM OF THE UK MUST OVRERRIDE ANY OTHER PARALEL LEGAL SYSTEM IN THE COUNTRY

“The British government is definitely heading in the right direction”, said Ms. Homa Arjomand, Coordinator of the International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada, “I hope this new Bill that was introduced by Baroness Cox on June 7^th, 2011 will soon bring an end to faith-based courts in Great Britain”.

“Under this new Bill, it will become a crime punishable by up to five years in prison to falsely claim legal jurisdiction over criminal or family law.

This Bill makes clear that laws against sex discrimination apply to arbitration tribunals, firmly outlawing the Sharia practice of treating a woman’s testimony as worth half that of a man’s.

This Bill seeks to stop parallel legal systems.

May 28, 2011

Toronto, Canada

Speech at the conference, TEAR DOWN THE WALL – ONE SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR ALL!

I would like to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you with respect to the universal rights of children and its direct relation to one secular school system.

My discussion is on how in today’s modern and civil society, the concept of equal and universal rights of the child has been wrongfully introduced by legislation in various provinces of Canada. Further more, I would pin point the effect of such legislation on the wellbeing of children and their future social outcome. Finally I will discuss what can be done to achieve one secular school system for all.

Visual Report of the conference TEAR DOWN THE WALL-ONE SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR ALL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH-vx1U6AjY

November 23,2010

Polygamy in Canada Should Remain Illegal

Polygamy is illegal in Canada but to date no one has been arrested or faced the consequences for being in a polygamist relationship. This inaction has led to no enforcement of the law. Such policies allow polygamist families to legally enter Canada by declaring the first wife as the legal wife and the second, third and fourth “wives” as dependents along with their children. Young girls are pushed in polygamy relationships by the leaders of their parents’ religion. A wave of women involved in polygamy fled from Bountiful (BC) and presented their case publicly. Books and articles were written by these brave women. They disused the effects of polygamy on their lives and their children, they talked about women’s oppression, sexual abuse and of men’s aggression towards young girls. They described child sexual abuse masquerading as a marriage and child trafficking for the purpose of marriage. Some courageous women went even further and discussed the effects of polygamy in society at large. Sadly no law enforcement was involved in any of these cases, even though Act 293 was present on the law books.

Now after all the reports by these women bringing attention to the plight of being caught in a polygamy relationship, and after all the evidence of injustice, discrimination and abuse, something is actually happening. But not for women and children who have suffered in polygamy relationships, not for the ones who put their lives in danger by presenting their cases to media. Instead the situation allows for further victimization of women and compromising women’s right for the sake of religious rights. This is a disgrace to humanity.

Speech of Homa Arjomand on One Secular School System

rally Sep 13, 2010

Visual Report of rally for One Secular School System For All

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH4KCEDPOaw

A CALL FOR DEMONSTRATION

FOR ONE SECULAR SCHOOL SYSTEM

FOR ALL

On September 13-14, the Ontario government will host an international two-day summit on education: “The Building Blocks for Education’: Whole System Reform. There will be speakers from six countries: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/bb4e/

Visual report on conference

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuCJytQOENs

Speech of Homa Arjomand On

Effect of globalization of political Islam on Women’s Rights, in question with
Polygamy, Neqab and Honor Killing

The problem of legal pluralism and cultural relativism with respect to women’s Rights

Discussion on separation of religion from state

More Report

Conference

Effect of globalization of political Islam on Women’s Rights, in question with
Polygamy, Neqab and Honor Killing

The problem of legal pluralism and cultural relativism with respect to women’s Rights

Discussion on separation of religion from stat

Speakers: Debbie Palmer, Azar Majedie, Tarek Fatah and Homa Arjomand

Conference MC: Sheila Ayala

When: Friday August 13, 2010

Time: 6:30PM-9:30PM

Where: North York Civic Centre,

5100 Yong Street, Toronto

Campaign To Stop Polygamy

View Current Signatures - Sign the Petition

To: Public, Medias and Governments

Polygamy (one man having multiple wives) has expanded greatly in the last decade in countries where governments aggressively suppress freedom and secularism and where religious and regional cultures that legitimize polygamy were able to gain dominance.
The expansion of polygamy in the west is due to the increased dominance of right wing parties with a large fundamentalist religious support base, coupled with misdirected multiculturalism that encourages cultural ghettos.Although polygamy in these countries is illegal, it is met with little opposition. In places such as England, the government has even given tax breaks to men with second wives. In Norway, France, Germany and the Netherlands there are reports indicating an increasing number of men with multiple wives.

More

wake-up call on the Niqab and the banner of political Islam

Niqab is publicizing and promoting the agenda of the movement of political Islam in the West while women in so-called Islamic countries are burning the compulsory Hijabs /veil on the streets, work places and at the universities.

Here, I intend to emphasize on Niqab as an obvious oppression, wall of segregation between women and men, or leaves the hands of backward tradition and religion open to interfere with the lives of individuals. Most importantly of all I need to highlight role of Niqab as banner of political Islam with its entire agenda.

If one does not see the role of Niqab in today's society then he or she will easily fall for these false arguments, that Niqab is just piece of cloths and women have rights to wear them or not to, or if we oppose it then it goes against the freedom of choice of clothing for Muslims.

More

Homa Arjomand Award for Secular Advocacy

Submission to the Task Force

It is time that the ONDP modernizes its Education Policy to reflect the 21^st century

In the 21st century, a society that is divided into cultural, religious, national and racial majorities and minorities should not be tolerated. The effect of such societies produces myopic communities with their own roles and regulations. People in these so called minority communities live in a cultural, political and intellectual quarantine simply because “minority rights” are placed above individual rights which means the role of religion and traditions will override the rights of individuals within those communities. In these communities women and children will suffer the most. Their rights will be under constant attack. Faith based doctrine in education serves only to separate these communities in Ontario from their fellow citizens. Such special treatment encourages some communities to demand more power and authority from the state, particularly if the leaders are influenced by extremists and follow a political agenda. Not long ago the advocates of freedom, egalitarianism and secularism came forward in full force against having Sharia Courts implemented in Ontario. The advocates recognized that such courts were being promoted by political Islam. Concerned citizens globally rallied under the banner of “One Law For All”, and managed to not only get rid of Sharia Courts but also all faith-based arbitration. This was a signal to the Government of Ontario that the time has come for parliament to change from dividing its constituents with its multicultural policies and to promote integration instead. Implementing one secular school system for all is the right step towards that goal.

More

Petition for One Secular Public School in Ontario Signatures

Whereas Canada/Ontario was found in violation of its international human rights obligations by the United nations Human Rights Committee in 1999 and again in 2005 by virtue of discrimination in the funding of Roman Catholic schools in Ontario;

Whereas the termination of public funding for religion-based schools by the governments of Quebec and Newfoundland has negated the constitutional rationale for public funding of Roman Catholic schools;

Whereas the Ontario Legislature has the power to eliminate public funding to the Roman Catholic school system by passing legislation to that effect, as was done by the legislature of Manitoba;

Whereas the religious segregation of Ontario children undermines the role of public schools in fostering tolerance and respect between Ontarians of different backgrounds; and

Whereas the ONDP has always advocated and supported equality and equity for all Ontarians in the delivery of public services;

Therefore Be It Resolved that the ONDP supports one secular publicly funded and accountable school system, and permit where appropriate, religious instruction in any faith in publicly funded schools outside regular instructional hours.

Sign the petition

Open letter to the

Secretary-General of the United Nations, BAN KI-MOON,

The United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights,

Its senior management group

And

The 47 nation members of the UN Human Rights Council!

An Open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the members of the Canadian Parliament!

The international mood has turned against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Now it is time for Prime Minister Stephen Harper and all members of the Canadian parliament do the same and support the people of Iran instead of the Iranian government. Recent reports being circulated in Iran indicate that the Iranian people are preparing a display of strength on February 11, which is 31^st anniversary of the Iranian revolution. Desperate people, despite the regime’s constant threats, recent mass arrests, torture, rape and executions, are organizing to purge themselves of the entire regime of Iran.

Saturday December 12,2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, World News Editor, Governments/Political Affairs Editor.

Iranian activists demand the arrest of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the official head of state terrorism for its heinous state crimes in Iran, when Ahmadinejad visits Copenhagen

Homa Arjomand calls Press Conference at the Royal Danish Consulate General, # 2 Bloor Street West,Toronto, on Wednesday December 16, 2009 at 11:30AM

Homa Arjomand, Coordinator of the International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada, is calling a press conference where she and other activists will demand the arrest of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Denmark – Copenhagen for crimes against humanity.

“We declare that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is the head of state terrorism and controls the state terrorism machinery in Iran. He is responsible for summary trials, Islamic retribution, execution and torture”. “We further declare that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is principal sponsor of the Political Islamic movement not only in the region but also globally. He has no scruples about committing mass destruction. In fact his involvement in Uranium enrichment and his thirst to gain more access to nuclear weapons should be every global citizen’s concern.” said, Homa Arjomand

The protestors claim Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is responsible for terrorizing people globally and sustaining terrorism in everyway he and his government can.

"It is a disgrace to the Danish government and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to consider Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, with his record on human rights, the privilege to speak at the Climate conference, especially after the recent uprising in Iran and when the people demanded to overthrow the entire regime on 7^th December 2009,” added Homa Arjomand.

Human Rights Activists will gather in front of the Royal Danish Consulate General at #2 Bloor Street West to demand that Danish government to arrest Ahmadinejad and to have him stand trial in Denmark for the crimes he has committed against people in Iran.

Location: #2 Bloor Street West, Toronto Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 11:30 pm

An open microphone will also be available for other concerned individuals attending the protest. They will be able to expose the crimes and human rights abuses of this Iranian regime and the leading terrorist – President Ahmadinejad.

About the Campaign

Homa Arjomand is the Coordinator of the International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada. She started her campaign in Toronto in October 2003 with a handful of supporters, and today it has grown to a coalition of 87 organizations from 14 countries with over a thousand activists. In February 2006, the Ontario Government passed legislation which ended the use of religious laws for family arbitration. Since then, the Campaign has focused its efforts on stopping political Islam globally. Homa is now Coordinator of a campaign called “Close Down Iranian Embassies” and spokesperson of “Wanted by People”.

Media Contact: Ms. Homa Arjomand 416-737-9500.

Email: homawpi@nosharia.com or homawpi@closedowniranianembassies.com

Web site: www.nosharia.com www.closedowniranianembassies.com www.wantedbypeople.com

Let’s face it Honor Killing is not just a domestic violence. It is murdering.

Let’s face it Honor Killing is not just a domestic violence. It is murdering. Murdering the women whom thought not to be submissive, murdering the young girls who are thought not to be obedient by those who wish to regain their so-called honor in their community.

Public Announcement !

The International Campaign to close down Iranian Embassies

The world must know that the only way out of political Islam and its global aggression is to support the movement of people of Iran to overthrow the Islamic Republic and defend “freedom, equality, prosperity”, for the people of Iran. The People in Iran have spoken. They are demonstrating in the streets, and universities. People in Iran want to overthrow the entire Islamic Republic of Iran, for its terror, imprisonment, gender discriminations, denial of all social and personal freedom and mass execution. They want to get rid of this cruel government for imposing the most inhuman, brutal, misogynist and backward roles on people. Iranian people want universal human and civil rights to become the benchmark.

Never has it been so urgent to stand firm by the people of Iran and proclaim that:

 the Islamic Republic of Iran is directly responsible for terrorizing people globally with its daily crimes against humanity from Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to Algeria and Palestine, even in the heart of Europe and the North America; from imposing reactionary and anti-human Islamic laws on people, from beheading and mutilations, to planting bombs and mass murder in buses, café and discotheques;

 the Islamic Republic of Iran is directly responsible for sustaining terrorism as a main tool in further deepening the national, ethnic and religious splits in the Middle East and keeping alive this conflict as political capital and source for its power;

 that every one of the leaders of Islamic Republic of Iran, be it so-called reformists such Khatami, Rafsanjani, and Mosavi or hard liners such as Ahmadinezhad, Khamenei are directly responsible for assassinations and executions of over hundred thousand of Iranian activists both in Iran and abroad;

 that defeating the Islamic Republic in Iran is a prerequisite for demolishing political Islam as a movement, aspiring political power in the Middle East. Without the Islamic Republic of Iran, political Islam will become a trivial and insignificant opposition in the Middle East;

 that President Ahmadinejad along with other leaders of Islamic Regime of Iran has violated Articles 9, 10, 11 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

and therefore demand:

 To close down all Iranian embassies

 To freeze all bank accounts of the leaders of Islamic Republic of Iran

 To expel the Islamic Republic from all the International Agencies

 To trial all the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran in an international court

for their crimes against humanity, in particular in Iran

Homa Arjomand

The coordinator of The International Campaign to close down Iranian Embassies

www.nosharia.com homawpi@nosharia.com 416-737-9500

High lights of a triumph!

A letter to activist fighting against sharia Court and all Faith based Arbitration in England!

It has not been long since the victory against Sharia court in Ontario. It was the force of secularism that pushed back the Ministry of the Attorney General Michael Bryant to put an end to Sharia Court and all faith based arbitration in Ontario on “Feb 15, 2006”. But once this attempt of Islamists was defeated in Canada, They concentrated elsewhere and made their effort in England. Only a progressive political campaign can defeat this Islamic attempt which has so many implications and so many supports within state and parliament of England and political parties and in broad, including the support of many states such as regime of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and others

More

Speech delivered at panel discussion entitled: “Islam is incompatible with Western Liberalism”

Hosted by Oxford Union, England, Feb 5^th, 09.

I will start with practical aspect of Islam to prove Islam is incompatible with the norm and values of the liberal democracy and leave out the theory part. Since there are countless scholars sitting on benches of universities, in on-going meetings, and conferences globally working on that part. For this purpose I will focus on reactionary rules of Islam on individuals, in particular children and women .I will then discuss the limitation and restrains that this religion put on freethinkers and seekers of freedom of expression to prove that liberation or moderation in Islam is nothing but a utopia.

MORE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, World News Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor

The coordinator of International Campaign against Sharia Court in Canada opposes religious schools being incorporated into the public system.

"We declare that the rights of the child should take precedence over any national, racial, economic, political, ideological, and religious consideration or interest; Complete separation of religion from education; the State is obliged to ensure a uniform school system for all children under the age 18; No one has the right to prevent the child from all norms and standards and it is the duty of the State to protect the universal rights of the children; no one has a right to segregate children and place them under religious dogmas, traditions and habits; no one has a right to prevent the child from participating in social and leisure activities and prohibiting them from participating in dancing, singing, playing an instrument." We therefore call on the Ontario Provincial Government not to violate the rights of the child. The time has never been more right than today as we call for one secular school system
for all children and no funding for any faith-based schools.

from left to right Homa Arjomand, Elka Ruth Enola, June Callwood, Sally Armstrong

June Callwood at Second Annual International Demonstration against Sharia Court in Canada

"The International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada", right from the beginning announced that the move for interfering with state by the Islamists is a universal move and must be resisted by all the defender of the human rights. Once more we need to defend secularism which is the total separation of religion from the state and education. We need to turn religion into a private matter of individuals where a person’s religion does not enter the picture in defining their social and political identity.

Apology over the caricatures of Mohammad will persuade Islamic movement towards their agenda.

The root of today’s new row of outcry over the caricatures of Mohammad must be sought in Yesterday’s coquet of the western leaders to Islamists movement.

Homa Arjomand’s interview with GP Goteborg against honour killing in support of integration at the conference of “white Carnations” in commemoration of Fadima Shahindal who was a victim of honour killing.

Visual Report on Homa Arjomand receiving the Toronto Humanist of the Year award

It is an honour to be selected as “the annual Toronto Humanist of the Year award”. This action from your organization not only provides me energy and strength to continue the fight for secularism but also will strengthen the forefront of the people’s ranks that are fighting to push back religious values through unequivocal defence of human values.

For this reason I admire your stroke and I am proud for being chosen as Toronto Humanist of the year award.

Homa Arjomand, contre la charia au Canada

AvecAnne Zelensky LDF Ligue du Droit des Femnes Yvette Roudy Ministre on Women's Issue

Homa, ATTACK Dessene Clark, Jocelyne Clarke Press Conference historical place where Jaurès was assassinated

Sihem Habchi Vice-President Ni Putes Ni Soumises Fadela Amara President NPNS, Homa, Sihem Habchi

Homaand Nicole Thuet, President du Collectif 13Doits des femmes Homa and Judith Martin-Razi Coordinator due Collectif 13 droits

October 23, 05 Amsterdam, Netherlands Time: 1:00 PM Where: Zondag 23 oktober ’05,

October 24,05 Paris, France press conference:time 11:15-12:45 Speech:at 6:00PM

October 26,05 Lyon, France Press conference in Lyon will be at 11 am on October 26th

Amsterdam, Netherlands,Perisa: 003164661414, Fereshteh Moradi:0031653927059

France,Lyon Michèle Vianès, 06 10 39 94 87 or michelevianes@chello.fr , Paris Jocelyne Clarke Secretary-general of the UFAL 06 84 56 13 60 JClarke@ufal.org,Collectif droits des femmes Marseille

"there will be no Shariah law in Ontario.
There will be no religious arbitration in Ontario.
There will be one law for all Ontarians." ^{Dalton
McGuinty
September 11, 2005}

^{The International campaign against Sharia court in Canada invites all to
this joyful event.}

For a Potluck Dinner

Our special Guests

Michele Vianes President of the Paris-based group Regards de Femmes, is leading the fight against sharia law and political Islam in France.

SAlly Armstrong,Human rights activist, documentary filmmaker and award-winning author Sally Armstrong was editor-in-chief of Homemaker's magazine from 1988 to 1999.

Address: Cecil Community Centre,58 Cecil St., Toronto Map

(1 block south of College St. on the east of Spadina Avenue.)

Time: 7:00 PM

Admission: $15, or you may donate as you wish

All Donations will be gratefully accepted,
thank you.

“…no religious arbitration in Ontario…
one law for all Ontarians.", says Premier McGuinty
TORONTO – “I got a call about 4 pm Sunday afternoon while I was having dinner with my family, I thought the caller was joking, but it was true … no-faith based arbitration, I am so happy.” said Ms. Homa Arjomand, Coordinator of the International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada.

On Sunday Premier McGuinty was interviewed by the national news agency and made the following statements:

"I've come to the conclusion that the debate has gone on long enough," he said.

"There will be no Shariah law in Ontario. There will be no religious arbitration in Ontario. There will be one law for all Ontarians."

McGuinty rejects Ontario's use of Shariah law and all religious arbitrations

TORONTO (CP) - Ontario will not become the first Western jurisdiction to allow the use of a set of centuries' old religious rules called Shariah law to settle Muslim family disputes, and will ban all religious arbitrations in the province, Premier Dalton McGuinty told The Canadian Press on Sunday.

In a telephone interview with the national news agency, McGuinty announced his government would move quickly to outlaw existing religious tribunals used for years by Christians and Jews under Ontario's Arbitration Act.

"There will be no Shariah law in Ontario. There will be no religious arbitration in Ontario. There will be one law for all Ontarians."

McGuinty said religious arbitrations "threaten our common ground," and promised his Liberal government would introduce legislation "as soon as possible" to outlaw them in Ontario.

"Ontarians will always have the right to seek advice from anyone in matters of family law, including religious advice," he said. "But no longer will religious arbitration be deciding matters of family law."

Last December, a report from former NDP attorney general Marion Boyd recommended the province allow and regulate Shariah arbitrations much the same way it does Christian and Jewish tribunals, setting off a firestorm of protests.

Homa Arjomand, the women's rights activist who organized a series of protests across Canada and Europe last Thursday to convince McGuinty to abandon Shariah, was elated when she heard the news late Sunday.

"I think our voice got heard loud and clear, and I thank the government for coming out with no faith-based arbitrations," said Arjomand. "Oh, I am so happy. That was the best news I have ever heard for the past five years."

Margaret Atwood, Maude Barlow, June Callwood, Shirley Douglas, Michele Landsberg, Flora MacDonald, Margaret Norrie McCain, Maureen McTeer, Sonja Smits, Lois Wilson

An important tenet of Canadian democracy hangs in the balance of your response to the matter of religious arbitration in the province of Ontario. While many Canadians may assume that we are all governed by one system of laws, created by publicly elected officials who are accountable to the electorate, your government is poised to shift the ground under this cornerstone of liberal democracy.

While our public system of law is not always perfect, it is designed to recognize the realities of all citizens and is open to public scrutiny and improvement. Such is not the case with private systems of law, such as religious laws.

The public may identify this issue from media reports as "Sharia law in Ontario," but they, and you, need to understand that this is a matter of the formal separation of all religious matters from the business of the state. This is in no way an infringement on religious freedom, which we endorse as an equally important tenet of Canadian democracy. Religion should simply remain an important part of the lives of citizens but not of public law.

‘…no binding family arbitration in Ontario…
or laws that discriminate against women’ says Attorney General Michael Bryant

TORONTO – “The government is definitely heading in the right direction”, said Ms. Homa Arjomand, Coordinator of the International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada, “I hope this statement by the Attorney General means he will soon bring an end to faith-based courts in Ontario”.

from left to right Homa Arjomand, Elka Ruth Enola, June Callwood, Sally Armstrong

Sharia law protesters to demonstrate
at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill on September 8^th, 12pm

June Callwood, Sally Armstrong, Tarek Fateh, Maureen McTeer and Homa Arjomand are some of the featured speakers…

TORONTO – “On Tuesday Premiere McGuinty said women’s rights ‘will not be compromised’ if Ontario allows Muslims to use Sharia law to settle family legal matters such as divorce and child custody. How does the Premier know this? Has he ever talked to the Muslim women who live in the religious communities where they follow Sharia and are under the control of Mullahs and Imams?”, said Ms. Homa Arjomand, Coordinator of the International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada.

“The Premiere wouldn’t meet with us, but I hope he’ll come to our protest where he’ll hear what really happens in a Canadian Sharia court.” said Ms. Arjomand. “How many more children, some as young as thirteen, will be forced to marry in Ontario? How many more Muslim women will be forced to surrender their children… or to pay their husbands thousands of dollars to get a religious divorce so they can remarry in their faith?, she added.

“We’re very disappointed because we had to cancel the speeches of three Muslim women who were abused by Sharia courts in Canada… they wanted to tell their stories but the shelter services in Ontario were unable assure them security and housing.” … maybe Premiere McGuinty can get them safe homes so they can tell their stories?” said Ms. Arjomand.

It has been a year since the International Campaign against Sharia Court in Canada, called for a day of protest, nationally and internationally, against faith based courts in Ontario. The protestors wanted the Ontario to remove family law from the 1991 Arbitration Act.

The Campaign worked hard to inform the general public and the ministries in charge about the high risks of permitting Sharia courts in Ontario.

Unfortunately, despite all the warnings, the government of Ontario has not taken a clear position to prevent the interference of religious institutions in the judicial system.

The Second International Demonstration opposing Sharia and all faith based courts in Ontario will be held on September 8^th, 2005.

Visual Report on Aug 12, 2005 Conference in Toronto

Report on August 12th conference by an observer

Over 400 People attend Toronto Sharia conference despite three changes of venue, no proper ticket selling process and heavy security.

Featuring Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Irshad Manji and Homa Arjomand

TORONTO - Canada, August 12^th, 2005 – Over 400 people filled the ‘Earth Sciences Centre’ at the University of Toronto on August 12^th. Despite three changes of venue leaving less than a week to sell tickets with no proper ticket selling process, People eagerly came to hear three brave women speak about how Sharia law is used to oppress Muslim women in Canada, Holland and around the world.

Dear Campaign Partner,

Thank you for all your hard work and tireless commitment to help make the ‘Toronto Conference on Sharia Law and the Globalization of Political Islam’ a huge success. Over 400 people attended the conference and sixty-six members of the media came out to cover this story. I could not do this conference alone, I appreciate so much each one of you and value greatly the time and skills you contributed to make this event a success.

Together we have sent a clear message to Queen’s Park – “NO Sharia in Canada”

And I believe, one day soon we will see the end of Sharia law in Ontario.

Sincerely

Homa Arjomand

Coordinator

International Campaign Against Sharia Court in Canada

August 12, 2005

Homa Arjomand

416-737-9500

homawpi@rogers.com

www.nosharia.com

www.childrenfirstnow.com

Speech on Sharia Law and the Globalization of Political Islam

I am very pleased to be here amongst you all, next to Ayaan Hersi Ali and Irshad Manji. It is hard to find opportunities such as this; to be able to share the idea of having a better life for all and identify with the supporters in an audience such as yourselves. So I will make the most of these moments by giving the focus of this discussion to the topic of this conference, Sharia Law and the Globalization of Political Islam.

I need to emphasize that I am talking about political Islam as a movement. As a movement it is very active in politics and is after its own state. Other aspects such as culture and laws serve its political desire and its political needs

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Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, World News Editor, Government/Political Affairs Editor

Ayaan Hrsi Ali to speak at Toronto Sharia law conference, August 12th

Press conference begins at 6:30pm

Together Theo van Gogh, Ayaan Hrsi Ali made the 2004 film ‘Submission’ about the oppression of women in Islamic cultures. Dutch Muslims criticized the film for being disgraceful and blasphemous. Van Gogh was murdered by Mohammed Bouyeri on November, 2^nd, 2004. Ayaan now lives under police protection in a safe house in the Netherlands.

Time Magazine named Ayaan one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2005.

Declaration on Religious Arbitration in Family Law

The following groups and organizations have come together out of concern for the application of any religious laws in family matters using the Arbitration Act in Ontario, pursuant to Marion Boyd’s report entitled Protecting Choice, Promoting Inclusion.

List #1

January 12, 2005

From all the organizations to all the MPP’S:

On December 20^th, Ms. Marion Boyd released her report concerning the use of the Arbitration Act of Ontario, 1991 to settle family legal matters based on religious laws. We trust during this adjournment, you will take the time to read this important report in its entirety.

Resolution

Should Faith-Based Arbitrations be Permitted in Ontario ?

Resolution 04-11-01

To Remove Family Law
from the Arbitration Act of Ontario 1991

WHEREAS, the Arbitration Act of 1991 was created to reduce the time and cost for business to settle international disputes regarding business and property through a private court or Tribunal;

WHEREAS, prior to the passage of the Arbitration Act, a religious group approached the government and requested permission to use the Arbitration Act to resolve family legal matters based on their religious customs and law;

Secularism Now

Modern and Progressive

Social and Cultural Norms:

I have chosen “Modern and Progressive Social and Cultural Norms” as the topic of my speech as I think these phenomena have become an area of importance and have become a battlefield across the world. This can be viewed as two antagonistic poles confronting each other: One being progressive and supporting modern secular advancements in society; and the other being reactionary and focusing on preserving backward standards and beliefs.

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Monday, July 4th, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Attention: Assignment Editor, City Editor, News Editor, World News Editor. Government/Political Affairs Editor

NDP says “arbitration has no place in family law”

TORONTO, Canada – In a statement published on their website, the provincial NDP party has called on the Liberal government to end the use of arbitration for family legal matters.

“Ontario New Democrats believe …there is sufficient evidence to conclude arbitration has no place in family law.”

http://www.ontariondp.com/news/article_234.php

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Excellent news!!!

Queen's Park puts off decision on Islamic law's role in family cases

Lee Greenberg

National Post

Monday, June 13, 2005

An anticipated decision on the future of shariah law in Ontario will likely
be postponed. Attorney-General Michael Bryant backed off his original June
21 deadline to introduce changes to the province's arbitration laws."There's
no hard and fast dates," he said in an interview. "We want to make sure that
we do this in a timely fashion, but we want to make sure that we get it
right." Currently the province's arbitration system allows any beliefs --
including religious doctrine -- to govern family disputes. Liberal MPP
Jean-Marc Lalonde said he met a Tunisian parliamentarian who told him he was
monitoring Ontario's decision." They're scared," he said. "They're paying
attention to what Ontario's going to do."