How the Government of Ontario would entertain such a regressive notion as the introduction of Shari'ah law in the resolution of family matters continues to mortify me. Widely documented and internationally condemned as being contrary to basic Canadian values, the abuses, biases, and discrimination practiced against women under Shari'ah has no place in my province.

Justice is blind to nothing but the facts, Shari'ah law is not.

It devalues women and accords them little if any protection in respect to domestic disputes. To believe that the provision of Shari'ah law as a "voluntary" dispute resolution alternative is naivety at its grandest. Implementing this puts women at risk of coercion, condemnation, and alienation within the Muslim community should disputes arise and they fail to "voluntarily" opt for resolution through Shari'ah tribunals.

"Men are the maintainers of women because Allah has made some of them to excel others and because they spend out of their property; the good women are therefore obedient, guarding the unseen as Allah has guarded; and (as to) those on whose part you fear desertion, admonish them, and leave them alone in the sleeping- places and beat them; then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them; surely Allah is High, Great." (Qur'an 4:34 English translation: MH Shakir)

I know this because Hinduism had a similar "voluntary" practice called suttee. For Hindu women who became widowed "voluntarily" jumped on the funeral pyre, sometimes being "helped" by her husbands family to maintain their honor upon his death. The British outlawed this practice 200 years ago, and for good reason. It is not inline with western thought - and as hard as it may be for some to believe, Canada IS a western nation.

I believe that women, irrespective of faith are entitled by law to equal status, protection and representation as their male counterparts. "Equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of law" is enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Shari'ah does not embrace this ideal in its application to domestic matters and on that ground alone if no other, is unacceptable. Ontario already has means of arbitration. The Family Law Act exists to govern family legal matters in the Province of Ontario and should also be the only applicable Act in respect to family matters in the Muslim community.

I urge anyone who claims stake in the future of Canada to write to the Premier and voice your concern for the introduction of Shari'ah law as a legally binding means of arbitration.