15 September 2015

Court rejects ban on Muslim veil at Canadian citizenship ceremonies

An appeals court rejected the Canadian government's ban on face coverings worn by some Muslims during citizenship ceremonies, the Canadian Press reported on Tuesday.

In response, the ruling Conservative party said the government was considering all legal options following the court ruling in Ontario. CP reported that the court stated it wanted to ensure the woman who triggered the case would be able to obtain her citizenship and vote in the Oct. 19 election.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, facing a tight three-way battle to remain in power, has defended the ban arguing that he believed the niqab, a face covering veil worn by some Muslims, was rooted in an "anti-women" culture. [Reuters] Read more