Mixed reaction from Calgary's Islamic community at niqab ruling

Zaheera Tariq looks back with pride on the day she became a Canadian citizen.

The South African-born mother of three took her oath of citizenship alongside dozens of other new immigrants at the Harry Hays Building downtown five years ago.

It was a happy day, joyful even- nothing like Monday when Tariq learned that from now on Muslim women who observe the custom of wearing a face-covering, like the niqab, will be required to remove it before taking the oath of citizenship.

"It was really depressing to hear this news," said Tariq, president of the Islamic Association of Canadian Women. "If a woman wants citizenship she must take off her niqab - but if she takes off her niqab, she is violating her (beliefs)."

Tariq wears the hijab, a head scarf that doesn't hide the face, but she supports women who make the choice to cover more.

"When I go outdoors I don't care if I'm in a bikini or a burka because in Canada I'm free to do what I want, as long as (it's) not against the law," said Tariq. "I think we should just honour and respect each other's choices."

But new Canadians won't have a choice when it comes to swearing the oath of citizenship.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced Monday that effective immediately Muslim women will now have to remove their niqabs, burkas and other face-coverings before crossing that final hurdle toward becoming a Canadian citizen.

Reaction from the local Muslim community was mixed.

Calgary imam Fayaz Tilly said most women are comfortable showing their face when issues of law or security are at stake- including in a court of law or when applying to obtain a driver's licence.

But Tilly said that reasonable accommodations should be made whenever possible.

"There's always a way around that would allow them to (take the oath) within parameters which would still allow a Muslim, or a Sikh, Hindu or Christian to observe their religious practices," said Tilly, who suggested that Muslim women be allowed to take the oath in a more private setting.

Malake El-Malt emigrated to Canada more than a decade ago and says it's reasonable for the government to ask to see a woman's face.

"Wearing the niqab (or burka) is more cultural than religious," said El-Malt. "I don't see the harm for the government to move this way, as long as this is not the beginning of a ban on other things, like the hijab for instance, because that is religious and mandatory in Islam."

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Source: Calgary Herald