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CAIR-CAN – April 15, 2007
Canadian Muslim girls banned
from karate tournament over hijab
OTTAWA, CANADA, APRIL 15, 2007 - The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN) said today that the decision to ban Muslim girls wearing Islamic head scarves from a karate tournament in Quebec will only serve to marginalize Muslim women by forcing them to choose between their faith and athletic activities.
In Longueuil, Quebec, five girls were today barred from taking part in a taekwondo tournament because they wished to wear the hijab, or Islamic head scarf. Organizers in Quebec’s taekwondo federation said the sport’s rules prevent women from competing in hijab. However, for more than five years, youth wearing hijab have taken part in the province’s tournament. Additionally, women in hijab compete internationally on a regular basis and both men and women compete in padded headgear.
In a statement, CAIR-CAN spokeswoman Sarah Elgazzar said:
“It’s odd how the same Quebec taekwondo federation that has seen youth in hijab compete for five years is now claiming that Muslim women in hijab are banned. This recent fixation on hijab is only serving to marginalize Muslim women who wish to participate in athletic activity.
“With Azzy Mansour being kicked off a Quebec soccer field for wearing the hijab, and five girls today being ejected from the Longueuil taekwondo tournament, it seems that Muslim women now have to make a choice between their faith and sport.”
In a similar case in February, 11-year-old Azzy Mansour was ejected from a Quebec soccer tournament. In response her team walked out the tournament in solidarity.
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