National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) Seeking Leave from the Supreme Court of Canada to Appeal Bill 21 Decision

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, along with the plaintiff Ichrak Nourel Hak, have sent formal correspondence to the Supreme Court of Canada announcing their intention to seek leave at the Supreme Court of Canada on an expedited basis in relation to the 2-1 decision of the Quebec Court of Appeal on Bill 21.

The majority in that decision declined to suspend the law.

“We told Quebecers and Canadians that we would not stop our work until this unjust law has been defeated” said Mustafa Farooq, Executive Director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, “Respectfully, we believe that there are errors of law in the majority decision. Therefore, we will do what we promised. While teachers and other public sector workers are being forced out of their jobs, we will seek leave from the SCC to halt the serious and irreparable harm that Bill 21 causes”.

Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, Equality Director at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association said: “A harsh blow was dealt last week to many faith-based and vulnerable communities, particularly Muslim women. Our unwavering resolve to keep fighting for marginalized people in Canada, and our commitment to justice and equality, are why we urge everyone to stand together against the religious symbols ban. We can and must defeat this law.|

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is a national non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to protect the rights and freedoms of all people in Canada.

The NCCM is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit organization that is a leading voice for civic engagement and the promotion of human rights.