Religion & Equality in Canadian Culture

Those of you who have read this blog over time or been part of congregations I have served know that I have a strong commitment to interfaith conversation and freedom of religion. I have expressed my disdain and indignation about Quebec's Charter of Values on several occasions.

Just the same, I am glad that a York University professor would not accept religious grounds as a reason for a male student to opt out of a seminar which included women. I have listened to a number of articulate and devout Muslim women make the case against gender inequality which is perpetrated as an interpretation of the Quran. In Canada we have enshrined equality of women and men, and as far as I'm concerned that trumps aspects of Sharia Law or other supposed religious prohibitions based on gender. It's unfortunate that Professor Grayson has not been supported by the administration at York. This is political correctness at its worst, it seems to me, and I'm relieved that he took a stand. It's also interesting that the male student relented and attended the seminar.
 
Here are some thoughts from Sheema Khan, a Canadian Muslim woman who wears a head scarf as an expression of her faith, but supports Grayson's decision.

For Muslims, the foundation of belief resides in the Koran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad. Some believe that they should not interact with members of the opposite gender to whom they are not related to by birth or marriage. Yet, the late Salafi scholar Abdul Haleem Abou Shaqqa found in a comprehensive study of gender relations during the time of the Prophet, that men and women were not segregated to the extent that we see today in some Muslim cultures. Their interaction was natural and mutually respectful. Both genders played a dynamic role in building a vibrant community. In the 7th century, Muslim women – such as the legendary Nusaybah bint Ka’ab – fought with men in combat.

The York student’s request is based on cultural preference rather than any solid religious foundation. Nonetheless, the prevailing societal norm should not be set aside to accommodate a view that repudiates the efforts of countless women and men to ensure equal opportunity. Gender equality is non-negotiable. Furthermore, segregation is based on the false premise of “separate but equal”. It is also offensive to be told (as a woman) that a man refuses to deal with you simply because of your gender. Even the Dean of the Sociology department knew this when he advised Prof. Grayson to conceal the exemption from the other students in the class.

In Muslim communities, gender segregation has led to the marginalization of women, as they are shut out of debate, discussion and decision-making. Under the pretext of “religious purity”, women are discouraged from full participation in community development.

I'm glad this situation came to public attention because we need to decide how we can be a pluralistic and accepting society without acquiescing to demands which violate our principles and laws. As a Christian I am committed to equality.

What are your thoughts about this?