Went to the Unite Against Islamophobia counter-protest on Sunday. It was organized to counter anothe

Went to the Unite Against Islamophobia counter-protest on Sunday. It was organized to counter another protest, which was being held against Motion 103 at City Hall. 

Motion 103 (which you can read here, it’s only 175 words) is a simple motion condemning Islamophobia and all other forms of discrimination, and asking for a study into hate crimes, but far-right websites have been fear-mongering about it as a “threat to free speech”, which is patently ridiculous. It’s not a bill or a law, it’s not “taking away your right to criticize Islam”, it’s a message of solidarity to the Muslim community and a good move to study hate crimes in Canada. It’s disgraceful that sites like the Rebel are using it whip up xenophobia and paranoia, just weeksafter six Muslim men were murdered for going to evening prayers in Quebec. These people have no shame. 

On the bright side, our protest outnumbered theirs by the hundreds. Here’s a sample of signs, my favourite is the last one, where someone literally printed out the motion. 

Unite Against Islamophobia 

Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto, ON

Sunday March 5th