Protest of Conservative Party's Positions on the Niqab and "Barbaric Cultural Practices" Snitch Line

TORONTO, Oct. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Women activists and their supporters are strongly objecting to both the Conservative Party's proposal to establish a "barbaric cultural practices" hotline which they believe will target Muslims, and their discrimination against women wearing a niqab.

They will be traveling to the office of Conservative candidate and acting Minister of the Status of Women Kellie Leitch to express their outrage.

Judy Vashti Persad, chair of Women Working with Immigrant Women, stated, "The Canadian Government should not be setting up 'snitch lines' for neighbours to spy upon neighbours. The very words "barbaric cultural practices" are racist. It should also not have the right to dictate what a woman wears and have control over a woman's body. This is a form of state sanctioned violence against women, particularly Muslim women."

Carolyn Egan, representing the International Women's Day Committee, said, "Having the Conservative Party pose as supporters of women's rights is laughable. It has defunded women's programs, refused to call an inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women, and will not fund international health organizations if they provide abortions. We stand with Muslim women."

Michelle Robidoux of the Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics said, "The Conservatives are pushing division and racism while pretending to protect gender equality. Now they want to take away women's ability to work in the public service. Enough is enough. Their policies of division are feeding violence against Muslim women. We need to unmask Harper's racist agendas."

Thursday, October 8^th
12:15 p.m.
Kellie Leitch Campaign Office
45 Victoria Street East
Alliston, Ontario

Organized by Women Working with Immigrant Women (WWIW), endorsed by International Women's Day Committee, Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics (OCAC) and the Toronto Health Coalition.

SOURCE Women Working with Immigrant Women

Contacts: Judy Vashti Persad: 416-895-0754; Carolyn Egan: 416-806-7985; Michelle Robidoux: 416-856-5008 (French)