Vote fails to lift keffiyeh ban at Ontario Legislature

It’s a contentious debate about Middle East identity and politics playing out at Ontario’s legislature. The opposition NDP, failing to reverse a move by the Speaker, agreed. I heard some nulls newly banning from Queens Park, that traditional Palestinian scarf known as the kafia. The kafias are a political statement, in my opinion, after receiving a complaint from an unnamed MPP. Speaker Ted Arnett points to decorum, saying members should not use props, signage or accessories that are intended to express a political message. Spotted in recent months at pro Palestinian rallies, the kaffir’s history goes back much further. Long associated with late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, it’s been worn in the region for centuries. For me and many others who are Arab or Palestinian, it is a representation of our identity. MPP Sarah JAMA says she was expelled from the NDP caucus last year for online comments and her position on the war in Gaza, and she’s known to wear that scarf at the legislature. It’s not just a political symbol, it’s a cultural and to to not allow that conversation and to just ban it full stop is upholding genocide. But Vinay Breath Canada is urging Parliament and other legislatures to follow suit and ban the KAFIA that it says has been corrupted by radical elements as a symbol of their their desire to erase the state of Israel. Progressive Conservative Premier Doug Ford doesn’t agree with the ban. We see the the division right now that’s going on. It’s it’s not healthy and this would just divide the community even more. Federal Justice Minister Arif Varani calls the KAFIA an important cultural symbol that should be welcomed in all Canadian institutions. The speaker of the legislature says he would reconsider the KAFIA ban if all members here were to agree. Thomas Dagg, CBC News, Toronto.