Quebec Muslim Girls Banned from Tae Kwon Do Tournament

CAIR-CAN says 'fixation' on Islamic attire in Quebec marginalizing Muslim women and girls

- For Immediate Release -

(Ottawa, Canada - April 15, 2007) - The Canadian Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN) said today that the decision to ban Muslim girls wearing Islamic head scarves from a tae kwon do tournament in Quebec will only serve to marginalize Muslim women by forcing them to choose between their faith and athletic activities.

In Longueuil, Quebec, today, five girls were barred from taking part in a tae kwon do tournament because they wished to wear the hijab or Islamic head scarf. Organizers in Quebec’s tae kwon do federation said the sport’s rules prevent women from competing in hijab. However, for more than five years, youth wearing the hijab have taken part in the province’s tournament. Additionally, women in hijab compete internationally on a regular basis. Also in tournament, men and women are seen in padded head gear.

“It’s odd how the same Quebec tae kwon do federation, that has seen youth in hijab compete for five years, is now claiming that Muslim women in hijab are banned.

“This recent fixation on hijab is only serving to marginalize Muslim women who wish to participate in athletic activity.

“With Azzy Mansour being kicked off a Quebec soccer field for wearing the hijab, and five girls today being ejected from the Longueuil tae kwan do tournament, it seems that Muslim women now have to make a choice between their faith and sport,” said Sarah Elgazzar, CAIR-CAN spokeswoman.

In a similar case in February, 11-year-old Azzy Mansour was ejected from a Quebec soccer tournament. In response her team walked out the tournament in solidarity.

SEE: http://www.caircan.ca/itn_more.php?id=2881_0_2_0_C

- 30 -

CONTACT: Sarah Elgazzar, CAIR-CAN Spokesperson at 514.776.6566,
Sameer Zuberi, CAIR-CAN Communications Coordinator at 613.795.2012, or
Karl Nickner, CAIR-CAN Executive Director at 613.254.9704 or 613.853.4111.