I think we all need to calm the @#$% down about this Islamophobia motion

Why the Islamophobia motion is a necessary but misguided chorus of Kumbaya

A quick Google is enough to highlight the fear and panic that some outlets are fomenting, calling the motion an Islamic blasphemy law and sounding the death bell on freedom of speech.

Officially entitled private member's motion M-103, the Islamophobia motion is set to be debated in Canada's parliament later this month and calls for the government of Canada to... 

 "recognize the need to quell the increasing public climate of hate and fear; (b) condemn Islamophobia and all forms of systemic racism and religious discrimination and take note of House of Commons’ petition e-411 and the issues raised by it..."

Before going any further, I encourage you to check out the text of the motion for yourself. And, in the spirit of being fully informed, here's a link to petition e-411. I call this the "Not all Muslims are terrorists and not all terrorists are Muslims" petition.

First, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Criminal Code are not about to be over-written by a non-binding motion. By my understanding, a motion simply shines a light on a perceived need and may set the ball in motion for further study. It is not binding, which means that, at worst (or best, depending on where you stand) it may come to nothing  and at best (or worst) it is an expression of Canadian values that may eventually, sometime down the road, be reflected in the Canadian Charter or Criminal Code. It's more like a suggestion, a statement, MAYBE a guideline. In short, a motion is DEFINITELY NOT a law.

Now that we've calmed down a little, let's debate the issue. I feel like I represent much of Canada (not just the Internet) when I say that I am deeply divided on motion M-103. So, while I am ultimately for the motion, I will focus on my list of concerns.

Here's quick summary of my list. Feel free to "read more" for greater depth, analysis and illustration.

CONCERNS

• Redundant: Islam, along with all other religions is already protected by the Charter and the Criminal Code.
• What about the rest of the Minorities?: Why Islamophobia and not also antisemitism, racism against visible minoroties, etc.
• Does it sound like a harbinger of Sharia law?: What is holistic community-based policy making?
• Don't trample on my freedom of speech: I truly believe that the best defense against hate speech is more speech, not censorship.
• Fear cannot be legislated into submission: I cannot be ordered out of fearing the unknown unless I am shown why I need not fear it.
• Human rights come first: We need to be able to ensure that the laws of Canada are enforced regardless. Citing one's religion cannot be an excuse to break the law. 

Click "Read more" for greater depth, analysis and illustration and to find out why I ultimately support the motion.

Mommy is a Human Being

NOT JUST A MOMMY

I can’t just be a mommy anymore. That’s right, I said it. I can’t just be a mommy anymore. 

I know that most of the mommies reading this are softly chuckling to themselves, since there is something inherently ridiculous in the phrase “just a mommy.” So fine, I can’t just be any of it anymore. I can’t just be the mommy, the wife/partner, employee, management consultant, head cheerleader, cook, laundry lady, chauffeur, social planner, librarian, lego sorter, light-bulb changer and on and on anymore.

I can’t live in my idealized, privileged bubble any longer. The world will not allow it. My conscience will not allow it. The President of the United States of America will not allow it. Teenagers running around with guns will not allow it. The crumbling pillars of democracy will not allow it. My brilliantly inspiring friend Beth will not allow it. And the futures of my children will definitely not allow it.

So, I can’t just be a mommy anymore. I have to raise my head, stand up and be a human being.

Mothers for Human Rights - Vision Statement

WHAT WE ARE

This is a meeting place for mothers (human beings) who refuse to be silent in the face of threats to equality, democracy, human rights and freedom.

This is a safe space to share opinions, information, feelings and events. Since there is so much information running rampant through Facebook, Twitter, the Blogosphere, and since there are so many of us who want to share, comment and be active, I am creating a central repository for information, gatherings, events, anything that can benefit the cause of freedom, human rights, equality and democracy.