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Defying the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Unjust Soccer Ban on Turban Wearing Sikh Children in Quebec
Surrey, BC, Canada, June 08, 2013
Dr Raghbir Singh Bains
NRI press News Services
Unjust soccer ban imposed by 'Quebec Soccer Federation' on turban wearing Sikh children is against the spirit of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It is an attack on religious freedom of the Citizens. The ban tantamount to tarnish the fair name of the concept of multiculturalism that guarantees freedom to all Canadians irrespective of their caste, colour, creed, origin or faith.
Multiculturalism in Canada has a long history of vibrant diversity. The policy was officially adopted by the Canadian government during the 1970s and 1980s. In fact it was to celebrate the multitude of racial, religious and cultural backgrounds of people living in Canada.
Before examination of the real problem, we must identify the centuries old history of Canada and its people. All of us know that Canada is a picturesque and peaceful country in the world. It is mostly inhabited by immigrants whether they are late migrants or early settlers from Europe, African countries, Asia, south Asia or other regions. Most of its citizens are either Aboriginals, immigrants or descendents from earlier immigrants.
Modern historians believe that ancestors of Aboriginals (First Inhabitants) arrived here from Asia about 30, 000 years ago by way of a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska. Some of them settled in Canada, while others chose to continue to the south. Few centuries ago when the European explorers arrived here, Canada was populated by a diverse range of Aboriginals who, depending on the environment, lived nomadic or settled lifestyles as hunters, fishermen, or farmers.
With passage of time, population of Canada was multiplied by the Inuit who had more limited interaction with European settlers during the early period. The Métis culture of mixed blood originated in the mid-17th century when First Nations and Inuit native married European settlers.
It is worth to clear that few centuries ago, French and Europeans migrated to Canada either as business people, colonizers or otherwise for better opportunities. They brought with them their languages, cultures, traditions and religious beliefs. The present day Canadian society stems largely from the English-speaking and French-speaking Christian civilizations that were brought here from Europe by early settlers or colonizers. Anglophones speak English and Francophones speak French. Majority of Francophone now live in the province of Quebec.
The worldwide tide of immigration to Canada began around the end of the nineteenth century or in the early 1900s when people from Asian countries including visible minority groups like Blacks, South Asians, Chinese, Koreans, Japanese, Southeast Asians, Filipinos, Arabs and West Asians, Latin Americans and Pacific Islanders opted to come to Canada for better opportunities.
Canada also has in its fold the migrants from Dutch, German, British, Scandinavian, Aboriginal and other origins and from Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Jews, Quaker, and Catholic religious backgrounds.
The numbers of Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and members of other religions, as well as people who state “no religion” are also growing in Canada since end of the 19th century.
During the 1920s, the aftershocks of World War I and the Russian Revolution stimulated migration from Germany, Russia, the Ukraine, and Eastern Europe.
These days, hundreds of newcomers begin a new life in Canada. Some are refugees fleeing persecution, others come to join family, and still others are seeking to make a better life for themselves. Together, these diverse groups, sharing a common Canadian identity, make up today's multicultural society which fact should always be kept in mind.
The concept of multiculturalism is applicable to all Canadians. Recently Quebec Soccer Federation's decision has banned all Sikh children wearing turban from playing soccer. When questioned about legality, the officials made a funny pronouncement saying,” if Sikh players wish they can play soccer in their own backyards”.
This decision has saddened the Sikhs. It is required of the Quebecers to know religion of their neighbours also. Wearing of turban is fundamental requirement for the Sikhs. It is an article of their faith. Vehemently, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms also guarantees freedom to practice one's religion.
It is good that this serious issue has been discussed in the Parliament of Canada on June 3, 2013. The Parliamentarians saw no valid reason as to why Sikh kids should be banned from playing soccer because of their religion.
It is hoped that multicultural sense will prevail upon 'Quebec Soccer Federation'. They should not have snatched bona fide right of the minorities. Quebecers have already tested their metal in Supreme Court of Canada in various cases concerning the Sikh minority. They should stop defending their autocratic, inhuman and discriminatory decision simply to defy the concept of multiculturalism in Canada.
The Franchophones must remember that once their forefathers also came to Canada with their language, traditions, beliefs, culture and religion to seek better opportunities in life. Let them remember those days and respect others who migrated to this beautiful country for the same reasons and with same values.
Let's not create problems for the Canadian society but together contribute towards country's economy, wellbeing, peace and prosperity to serve the humanity by withdrawing the unjust ban.
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