NDP leader announces anti-hate legislation, honours anniversary of Afzaal family killing

The provincial NDP leader was joined by local MPPs at Queens Park Friday, announcing anti-hate legislation.

London MPPs Terrence Kernaghan (London North Centre) and Peggy Sattler (London West) joined opposition leader Marit Stiles and several leaders from Ontario Muslim community organizations at Queen’s Park on Friday morning to commemorate the anniversary of the hate-motivated attack that killed four members of the Afzaal family in London five years ago this weekend.

“Five years after the horrific Islamophobic attack that took the lives of the Afzaal family, Muslim communities across Ontario are still facing rising hate and fear,” said Stiles. She and MPP Sattler announced their plans to introduce legislation intended to target hate when the Legislature returns this coming fall.

The legislation focuses on education, aiming to prevent acts of hate-based violence before they occur, giving young people the tools they need to understand cultural and religious differences among their peers.

“It has been 5 years since these four lives were taken, and London continues to move through this time with a heavy heart. Hate crimes and anti-Islamophobia remain on the rise. It is critical that we take urgent action,” said Sattler. “It’s the right thing to do.”

According to Sattler, post-secondary institutions in particular have seen a rise in Islamophobia.

The politicians were joined by Muslim community advocates, who spoke about the rise in violence, and hope for a brighter future. “Ontario needs a proactive strategy that focuses on prevention, accountability, and community safety. That means ensuring our schools have the resources and curriculum supports necessary to combat Islamophobia, racism, and all forms of hate before they take root,” said Fatema Abdalla, communications coordinator for the National Council of Canadian Muslims. “Young people should grow up learning about one another, not fearing one another.”

Public statements marking the anniversary of the attack were also shared by other community leaders on Friday, including London Police Chief Thai Truong, and Middlesex County Warden Sue Clarke. Their statements join a chorus of local leaders and politicians that have recognized the significance of the anniversary in the backdrop of rising islamophobia.

The Youth Coalition Combating Islamophobia is holding a memorial on Saturday in honour of the Afzaal family at Hyde Park Road, and South Carriage Road, the location of the attack. Remarks will begin at 6:30 p.m., and will be followed by a march proceeding to Oakridge Secondary School.