Ontario MPP Jama Removed From Legislature Again Over Keffiyeh Scarf Ban

For the second time in two weeks, Independent MPP Sarah Jama was removed from the Ontario legislature for wearing a keffiyeh scarf, which has been prohibited by the Speaker.

Ms. Jama wore the keffiyeh, often associated with pro-Palestine activism, during question period on May 6 and was asked to leave the chamber. Less than two weeks prior, on April 26, she had also been ejected for wearing the scarf but had refused to comply.

After leaving the chamber, Ms. Jama stated, “While we can spend time to recognize genocides of the past, we struggle as members of this house to recognize genocides of the present. So wearing the keffiyeh is a testament to the fact that Palestinians have the right to return, they have the right to exist, and they do not deserve to be genocided.”

Two other MPPs joined Ms. Jama in wearing keffiyeh scarves and leaving the chamber in solidarity. NDP members Joel Harden and Kristyn Wong-Tam voiced their support for Ms. Jama and their opposition to Speaker Ted Arnott’s ban.

Ms. Wong-Tam remarked, “This keffiyeh ban is rather selective. It’s also perpetuating what I see as racism and erasure of Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim culture, and that is not what this house stands for.”

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She stated on Oct. 23, “To be clear, I unequivocally condemn terrorism by Hamas on thousands of Israeli civilians. I also believe that Israel’s bombardment and siege on civilians in Gaza, as was also noted by the United Nations, is wrong.” The legislature reprimanded her for her comments, and although she apologized, Ms. Jama did not retract her statements.

Government House Leader Paul Calandra has voiced his support for the current keffiyeh ban in the chamber. “The rules that govern the chamber are to have respectful debate back and forth between members to ensure that we’re focused on the policies and the issues of the day without political statements being made in the house. That has always been the tradition and I think the Speaker has upheld that.”

Various Ontario political leaders, including Premier Doug Ford, have criticized the ban. Premier Ford personally disagreed with the ban and urged the Speaker to allow the keffiyeh to be worn.

Jewish advocacy group B’nai Brith has taken a different stance and commended Mr. Arnott. “The keffiyeh’s innocuous origins as a cultural symbol have been corrupted by radicals,” the organization stated, “It has become a divisive symbol that is used to incite.”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.