(CNSNews.com) - An Islamic advocacy group wants Rev. Franklin Graham barred from entering Canada because of allegedly hateful statements made towards Islam. Graham’s spokesman says the Evangelical minister’s comments have been “misconstrued” by some Muslims.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations of Canada (CAIR-CAN) claims allowing Graham into Canada would be evidence of a “double standard.” British Muslim Riyad ul-Haq was denied entry into Canada in June after being accused of inciting hatred towards Jews, Christians, and other non-Muslims - a violation of Canada’s so-called “hate propaganda laws.”
“We do not welcome hate-mongers,” said Leslie Harmer, spokesperson for Immigration Minister Monte Solberg, the official who ordered that Canadian authorities block ul-Haq from entering the country.
CAIR-CAN noted that shortly after the 9/11 attacks Graham called Islam “a very evil and a very wicked religion.” The group argues that, like ul-Haq, Graham should be forbidden to come to Canada for a scheduled visit later this year.
“The comments they have made are very widely available, and there isn’t a great deal of difference between the two individuals,” CAIR-CAN Communications Director Halima Mautbur told Cybercast News Service.
The group is further dismayed with the government’s decision, because ul-Haq promised he would not speak about anything controversial while he was in Canada.
CAIR-CAN Executive Director Karl Nickner said in a news release Thursday that “some Canadian Muslims are wondering whether a double standard is being applied.”
“As Muslims and as Canadians,” Nickner added, “we stand firmly against any hateful religious speech by representatives of all faiths.”
Canadian hate speech laws are so wacky, they may just get what they're demanding.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment