On December 5th, 2016, Liberal MP Iqra Khalid tabled a private member's bill, Motion M-103. Briefly, the motion urged the government to recognize and condemn Islamophobia and "all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination". While the motion was successfully passed on March 23rd, 2017, it generated a surprising amount of debate and controversy, particularly given that it was a motion not a law. Much of the controversy stemmed from conservative political circles that considered the motion to single out Muslim Canadians for special treatment. Other critics expressed concern that the motion would limit any public debate or criticism of Islam thereby limiting free speech. Some critics, including Canadian journalist Rex Murphy, simply questioned what effect, if any, the motion might have since it results in no form of social regulation. From Murphy's perspective the motion was simply a public statement on the "moral sentiment of Parliament" (Murphy, 2017, March 24, n.p.)

 

Do you think a motion condemning systemic racism and religious discrimination is needed to highlight a specific group? Why might it be necessary to highlight the hatred targeted toward specific groups? What impact do you think this motion will have on Islamophobia and other forms of hate crimes?