Firm and Resolute Support of Inclusivity for Sikh Children: NDP

Thomas Mulcair, Official Opposition Leader
OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada (June 6, 2013)–With recent news of the Quebec Soccer Federation’s decision to ban Turbans, New Democrats are calling for a quick resolution.
“If there are no safety concerns with a Sikh child wearing a turban and there appear to be none, then there are no reasons to prevent them from playing soccer” said Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe (Pierrefonds–Dollard).
Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe who represents one of the largest Sikh constituencies in Quebec has been actively working with Sikh children and their families over the last year to help facilitate a resolution.
On April 25th members of the NDP Quebec Caucus, Lysane Blanchette-Lamothe and Helene Leblanc (LaSalle-Emard) wrote directly to FIFA on behalf of the Sikh community.*
“Because this rule prevents children from practicing this sport, even at a recreational level, without any justification, on behalf of our constituents, we would request you to look over this matter and make the appropriate changes to ensure these children can play with their teammate. We think we have a responsibility to allow children of our communities to be able to play soccer with their peers. We are therefore requesting that the rules on wearing turbans/patkas/keski by male soccer players be revised as soon as possible to enable all young boys to play soccer with their peers,” said Blanchette-Lamothe and Leblanc in their letter addressed to FIFA.
While speaking in Parliament yesterday, Minister Gosal disingenuously accused New Democrats of not taking a position.
“Minister Gosal and the Conservatives must stop playing political games.  We have been crystal clear in our position – let’s remove the politics from this and let the children play,” said NDP Immigration, Multiculturalism and Citizenship Critic Jinny Sims (Newton-North Delta).
“Soccer is the most popular sport among Canada’s youth and vitally important to the promotion of sports and health.   New Democrats believe that sports should be inclusive, not exclusive,” added NDP Sports Critic, Matthew Dubé (Chambly—Borduas).
New Democrats have a record of standing up for Sikh articles of faith, even when others have not.  In 2001, the NDP was proud to introduce a motion in the House of Commons to recognize the importance of the “5 K’s”, the religious articles of faith for Sikhs, but it originally failed to pass when the Liberals refused to support it. Eventually, a motion to recognize the “5 K’s” was accepted by all parties in 2006.
New Democrat’s will continue to support Sikh families and children and urge the Quebec Soccer Federation to reconsider their decision and begin dialogue with the Sikh community in order to resolve this matter..
The letter written to FIFA by members of the Quebec Caucus on April 25, 2013: