Monday, November 19, 2007

Winnipeg girl banned from judo tournament for wearing headscarf

A Winnipeg girl was banned from a judo tournament for wearing her traditional Muslim headscarf to compete in a tournament on Saturday. Hagar Oubih burst into tears when officials with Judo Manitoba told the 11 year-old girl she would not be able to compete. Hagar started a petition to have the rule changed. A lawyer representing the national organization judo Canada said, "So we've discussed this both locally, nationally and internationally and we follow those rules. It's got nothing to do with discrimination or anything of that nature" (CBC). Article continues
So now the question I want to discuss here has Hagu’s right and freedom has been violated and not protected under the Charter of Right and Freedoms. In my opinion yes her right and freedoms has been violated and she has been discriminated against based on her belief. The Charter of Right and Freedom guarantees her right to belief without any discrimination. This act definitely violate the Charter of Right and Freedom because under article two her rights and freedom of belief is guaranteed. Article two indicate “freedom of conscience and religion.” I believe Hagar has the right to participate with her head scarf in this competition. Hagar's coach, Shirin Farag, said she has worn her hijab in judo competitions for the past 10 years without any problems and he further added that in “Egypt, Morocco and Algeria, many women compete while wearing their headscarves.” This act is discrimination based on religion, and it is a violation of Charter. Do you think this act is a discriminatory act based on religion and does it violate the Charter of Right and Freedom.

No comments: