CMLA Statement on #ChristchurchNZ

March 15, 2019

Our prayers are with everyone affected by the terrorist attack in Christchurch New

Zealand. 49 people have been killed and more than 40 people have been injured.

Words cannot express our sorrow.

The gunman targeted and terrorized innocent and defenseless people — including

children — peacefully assembled for Friday prayer. This tragedy is another horrific reminder that there is a global problem of hatred and violence against Muslims.

We will never forget the mass shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec

City on January 29, 2017. And we will never forget New Zealand.

In response to this escalating social problem, on October 2, 2017, the Canadian

Muslim Lawyers Association made submissions to the Parliamentary Committee of

the federal government recommending a strategy to study and prevent

Islamophobia. Islamophobia is anti-Muslim discrimination or hate.

We again ask that Islamophobia be substantively addressed by our private and

public institutions. This cannot continue.

We pledge our commitment to lead the fight against Islamophobia and divisiveness

of all forms, and to stand up for bedrock Canadian principles of diversity,

multiculturalism, and freedom of religion.