Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban
CTV
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
“The decision to ban the keffiyeh was made by the speaker and the speaker alone. I do not support his decision as it needlessly divides the people of our province,” Ford said in a statement issued Wednesday evening.
Ford called on the decision to reverse his decision “immediately.”
It is unclear when the members were most recently given direction not to wear the scarves, which are commonly worn by Arabs and serve as a symbol of the Palestinian resistance movement. However, in February, Arnott issued a reminder to members that the use of accessories as political messages is prohibited.
CTV News Toronto has reached out to Arnott's office for further clarity.
The premier's comments follow calls from several other Ontario politicians to reconsider the ban in the building.
Ontario New Democratic Party Leader Marit Stiles said Wednesday that “everyone [in Ontario] should be free to wear whatever piece of clothing proudly reflects their heritage” and that the legislature “should be no different.”
