The keffiyeh ban remains in place in the Ontario Parliament despite provincial parties unanimously opposing it

Several political leaders continue to call on the Speaker of the Ontario Parliament to reverse his decision to expel Keffiyehs from the provincial assembly, even after he rejected their requests.

Keffiyehs are head coverings traditionally worn throughout much of the Middle East. However, in recent years they have become a symbol of Palestinian resistance and solidarity.

According to multiple reports, Speaker Ted Arnott banned the garments in Ontario's highest legislative chamber because he feared decorating the scarf made an overtly political statement.

At an unrelated news conference Thursday morning, Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke out against the ban, telling reporters it would “only further divide the community.”

The decision to ban keffiyeh was made by the speaker alone. I do not support his decision as it unnecessarily divides the people of our province. I call on the speaker to revise his decision immediately. https://t.co/315ZCyhKPt

– Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 18, 2024

Similarly, Krystin Wong-Tam, NDP MPP for Toronto Centre, expressed her opposition to the Everyone should feel welcome in Ontario, especially in Queen's Park. I also call on the Speaker to lift the keffiyeh ban.”

Wong-Tam also shared Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles' April 12 letter to Arnott asking the speaker to reconsider his decision.

“The Assembly has always allowed members, staff and guests to openly celebrate their culture, including wearing traditional clothing that represents their history, culture or beliefs, and I do not believe it is your intention to change that precedent.” , wrote Stiles.

Independent Hamilton Center MP and activist Sarah Jama also released a statement on X saying the decision was a blatant attempt to silence and denigrate minority voices.

“History shows and will continue to show that attempts to ban cultural identity and cultural symbols only strengthen resistance movements. “We must always be vigilant in a society that continually prohibits cultural identities, especially those identities that represent resistance and a threat to the status quo that is failing them,” she wrote.

A unanimous consent motion introduced Thursday morning by Stiles, in which he said the keffiyeh is a culturally significant garment in Palestinian, Muslim and Arab communities and should be allowed in the House, was rejected by Arnott after a vote, according to the Canadian Press.